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What’s Next?

Man after vaccine

Do I still need to wear a mask after getting the vaccine?

If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

NOTE:

One is considered fully vaccinated either 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. LINK >

What are the benefits of getting the vaccine?

Other than health benefits, if you have been fully vaccinated:

  • You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart.
  • You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people of any age from one other household without masks or staying 6 feet apart, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
  • You can gather or conduct activities outdoors without wearing a mask except in certain crowded settings and venues.
  • If you travel in the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
  • You need to pay close attention to the situation at your international destination before traveling outside the United States.
    • You do NOT need to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it.
    • You still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the United States.
    • You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel
    • You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.
  • If you have been around someone who has COVID-10, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
    • However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still get tested, even if you do not have symptoms.

What vaccines are available to take?

Currently, there are 3 types of vaccines available and the CDC does not recommend one vaccine over another. LINK >

The 3 vaccines are:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech
    • This is an mRNA vaccine
    • People of 12 years or older are permitted to take this vaccine
    • You will receive 2 shots given 3 weeks (21 days) apart
    • You will be fully vaccinated, 2 weeks after your second shot

 

  • Moderna
    • This is an mRNA vaccine
    • People of 18 years and older are permitted to take this vaccine
    • You will receive 2 shots given 4 weeks (28 days) apart
    • You will be technically, fully vaccinated, 2 weeks after your second shot

 

  • Johnson & Johnson Janssen
    • This is a viral vector vaccine
    • People of 18 years and older are permitted to take this vaccine
    • You will receive 1 shot
    • You will be technically, fully vaccinated, 2 weeks after your shot

What are the side effects from the vaccine?

Some people experience side effects after receiving their vaccine while others do not, however, these effects are normal signs that your body is building protection. The following side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away within a few days:

  • On the arm where you got the shot:
    • Pain
    • Redness
    • Swelling
  • Throughout the rest of your body:
    • Tiredness
    • Headache
    • Muscle Pain
    • Chills
    • Fever
    • Nausea
    • Please speak to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine, such as Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin, or Antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated.

Please note that it is not recommended that you take these medications before your vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects.

To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot:

  • Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area
  • Use or exercise your arm

To reduce discomfort from fever:

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Dress lightly


Please also note that side effects after your second shot may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot if any. However, these side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away within a few days.

Though the mentioned side effects are normal. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

  • If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours
  • If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days