Is It Safe to Socialize After Getting Fully Vaccinated?

Introduction:

Vaccination is the process of injecting or providing infectious microorganisms in dead, partially live, or genetically engineered forms to offer resistance to the disease caused by them. COVID-19 has hit so many lives. Researchers have developed vaccines with various commercial names and mild modifications, and now, these vaccines are available to the public. But there are so many questions that are to be answered. Out of which the very commonly thought about is whether it is safe to socialize after getting fully vaccinated.

Certain recommendations have been given by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) as well as the authorities of specific nations. The three vaccines that are authorized and recommended in the United States are,

• Pfizer-BioNTech.

• Moderna.

• Johnson and Johnson or Janssen.

In India, they are,

• Covishield.

• Covaxin.

Some are DNA vaccines, and some are RNA vaccines. It is important to consult a physician or specialist to know whether you are a suitable candidate for getting vaccinated or not.

COVID-19 vaccines have shown better efficacy in preventing falling sick. Those who have gotten vaccinated have some privileges of doing certain things that were initially restricted before vaccination. Although the efficacy of the vaccines is claimed, people who have been vaccinated should take some necessary precautions like social distancing, wearing masks, etc.

When Is Someone Considered to Be Fully Vaccinated?

A person is considered to be fully vaccinated depending on the following:

1. Two weeks after getting the second dose in a 2-dose series.

2. Two weeks after getting a single-dose vaccine.

3. Getting a booster dose after every six months of 2-dose vaccination.

A person who has got only one dose of 2-dose vaccines or if it has been less than two weeks after getting the complete dose of the vaccine is considered to be unsafe or not fully protected.

What Happens After Complete Vaccination?

A person who has got a complete dose of vaccination can do the following safely:

1. A person can socialize and physically meet indoors with people who are fully vaccinated.

2. Gathering with unvaccinated people can also be done indoors from another house, like relatives. This can be done without masks also, but it is suggested to wear masks as some people are prone to infection. Masks will help in limiting the transmission of infection.

3. If a person comes in contact with a COVID-positive patient, they do not have to restrict themselves. A person can get tested if they experience any signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

4. The exception comes when people live in a combined family. If they get exposed to a COVID-positive patient, it is advisable to quarantine themselves for two weeks. After which, they should get tested even if they do not experience any symptoms.

What Steps Should Be Taken After Vaccination?

The following steps should be taken by a person even if they are vaccinated:

1. Take necessary preventive to protective steps for the safety of the people around. The basic steps include wearing masks, a social distance of at least 6 feet from others, avoid going in crowded areas or poorly ventilated areas. It is necessary to take these steps, especially when a person is in a public area, meeting up with unvaccinated people who are more prone to develop the infection, etc.

2. It is advisable to prevent any huge or moderately crowded area.

3. Avoid or delay traveling to domestic or international areas. If a person has to travel, it is recommended to follow the guidelines suggested by CDC and national or local authorities. They should still delay domestic and international travel.

4. Keep a check on any signs and symptoms of COVID-19, especially if a person comes in contact with a COVID-positive patient.

5. If a person experiences any symptoms, get tested and quarantine themselves.

Details on Vaccination:

COVID vaccination has become a useful tool to limit this infection. Even though we are getting vaccinated, there is some information that is still to be studied.

1. COVID-19 vaccines help prevent COVID-19 infection, more importantly, any severe illness and death.

2. There are so many variants of the virus that are emerging. Hence, the effectiveness of vaccines on the different variants of this virus is yet to be studied. The studies done till now show that the vaccines are effective against some variants whereas not effective against others.

3. It is important to emphasize that preventive measures should be taken even though we are vaccinated.

4. The duration of the effectiveness of the vaccines is also still under observation or study.

When Can We Expect to Socialize Normally Again?

This is a very common thought in everyone’s mind. To reach this stage of interacting normally with people like earlier, we all have to develop herd immunity. It is the point where people no longer contract the infection or virus, nor do they develop COVID-19 easily, meaning the point where people cannot contract the virus and develop COVID-19 easily. Also, the number of people or portion of the population that has to be vaccinated is also under question depending on the priorities and resources. Hence, till then, the only best thing that can be done is to follow the prevention guidelines. This has to be done until a majority of the population gets vaccinated.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 vaccines help in limiting the spread of infection. Different countries have different brands with different doses and compositions. Although the efficacy and duration are not completely studied and are still under observation, it is safe to take the vaccine. It is important to judge who should get the vaccine and who should not.

Also, for those who have questions regarding the vaccines, a person can contact specialists for ease of being at home and maintaining all the health and preventive norms via online medical platforms. Hence, go ahead and consult a specialist online to know more about the COVID-19 vaccine.