FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine

health + HAPPINESS I Have My Vaccine Now What? Local medical expert provides guidance on moving forward with life

BY » Dr. Walter Meadors, Piedmont HealthCare Medical Director

Editor’s Note: Whatever COVID-19 vaccine you’ve chosen, you probably still have some questions regarding timing of doses, mask wearing and travel. We reached out to a local expert for guidance with a few commonly asked questions.

Q: Once I have been vaccinated, how long should I continue wearing a mask in public?

A: For now, fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without physical distancing or wearing masks with: • Other people who are fully vaccinated • Unvaccinated people from one other household, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Until more is known, fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks and stay six feet apart from other people in other settings, like when they are in public or visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households.

Q: I got both doses of the vaccine. Can I consider safely traveling?

A: Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States.

If you are fully vaccinated, take the following steps to protect others if you travel:

• During Travel

» Wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. » Avoid crowds andstay at least 6 feet/2 meters(about two arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. » Wash your handsoften or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol).

• After Travel

» Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. » Follow allstate and localrecommendations or requirements.

You do NOT need to get tested or selfquarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months. You should still follow all other travel recommendations.

How closely should I follow the recommended guidelines on which countries outside of the United States are safe to travel to?

A: Situations in other countries can be dramatically different from those in the US resulting in significant exposure to the SARS-Covid-19 virus. These situations also can change rapidly. The below recommendations apply to international travel.

• Before you travel

» Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States. » Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination.

• While you are traveling

» Wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. » Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about two arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. » Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol).

• Before you arrive in the United States » All air passengers coming to the

United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from

COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.

• After travel

» Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel. » Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. » Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

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