A family tradition for many is planning a summer vacation, and due to new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the increased access to COVID-19 vaccinations, heading to the beach for some sun and fun is a possibility.
Dr. Long Nguyen, a family medicine physician at ThedaCare Physicians-Wautoma, said the new CDC guidelines for people who have been vaccinated can be helpful to planning ahead for an upcoming summer vacation.
“We want people to remember that travel can increase your chance of contracting COVID-19,” said Nguyen. “It would be a safe practice to delay traveling until you’re vaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated and must travel or will be traveling with children, who are ineligible for the vaccine at this time, there are some safe behaviors and precautions people can take.”
In general, people are considered vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after the single-dose vaccine from Johnson and Johnson.
The CDC said if anyone who has a condition or is taking medications that weaken the immune system, they may not be fully protected even if they’re fully vaccinated. Those in that category may want to consider delaying travel plans and talk with their health care provider for additional recommendations.
According to the new guidelines from the CDC, fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19 and can travel safely within the United States.
“It’s important that everyone still follow safety precautions and keep using proper hygiene practices,” said Nguyen. “Fully vaccinated people should still follow those precautions as well, especially while traveling.”
The CDC recommends fully vaccinated travelers practice safety measures including wearing a mask over the nose and mouth, staying feet from others and avoid crowds, and washing your hands often or use hand sanitizer
“Some of the new CDC guidelines include updates to testing and quarantine,” Nguyen said. “Make sure to plan ahead and learn what guidelines or mandates may apply where you’re traveling, even if you’re familiar with the place, there may be new health updates. Be sure to also check with your airline carrier to make sure you have any required testing and/or documentation for safe travels and check back often for any new updates that could be available.”
The CDC says fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination or airline requires it and they do not need to self-quarantine. The CDC website offers a travel planner with the latest health recommendations for where you’re planning to travel.
“Taking all of the CDC travel precautions can help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Nguyen. “We are all ready to get back to fun events like family vacations, and following recommendations will allow us to do so safely.”
Planning vacation easier, but caution urged
