CDC issues updated guidance on travel for fully vaccinated people
The CDC on April 2 announced that Americans who are fully vaccinated can travel “at low risk to themselves.” This is welcome news to travelers who have been eagerly awaiting the green light to safely book those long-awaited vacations and peace of mind when visiting family.
The CDC says that the new guidelines are based on the “real-world” effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, however even vaccinated people should continue to wear masks and take the necessary safety precautions that have already been put into place such as social distancing and frequent hand washing.
Vaccinated travelers no longer have to follow the CDC's recommendations to get a COVID-19 test before and after travel unless required by the destination. The latest announcement does not change the CDC order issued in January, requiring a negative COVID test to board international flights to the United States, and the recommendation for another test three to five days after returning.
According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.