Choosing Safer Activities After Being Fully Vaccinated: For Seniors

Choosing Safer Activities After Being Fully Vaccinated: Even though the United States is more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains confusion about what activities that older adults who live independently can safely engage in after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Complicating things immensely is what is known as the Delta variant, a more highly contagious strain of the virus that has caused what are referred to as “breakthrough infections,” meaning infections of vaccinated individuals as well as unvaccinated. Because this is an evolving situation and we learn more about both the vaccines and the virus every day, guidelines can change quickly on what is safe and what is not, regardless of vaccination status. So we’ll focus on some activities that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended are safer for those aged 65 and over.

First of All, Why Has the CDC Guidance Been Changing?

You’ve probably noticed that both the CDC and local and state governments have been changing their guidance on things like wearing a mask, even for fully vaccinated people. There are a couple reasons why. First, as mentioned above, the new Delta variant is more contagious than previous variants. Second, with many governments refusing to require (or even preventing others from requiring) proof of vaccination status, having different rules on mask wearing for vaccinated and unvaccinated people was not working out.

So How Can Seniors Stay Safer?

First off, get a COVID-19 vaccine; Health care experts agree the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are all highly effective against the virus. In the case of the Delta variant, the vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing serious effects.  Put more simply, even if you get the virus, you’re less likely to get sick if you’ve been vaccinated.

“I’m Vaccinated Now What?”

No activity is without risk. But there are some ways you can still enjoy yourself and stay safer.

• Outdoor gatherings. Outdoor events are still the safest, such as outdoor activities in a park, or someone’s back yard. And a day at the beach is still one of the safest things you can do. However, at crowded outdoor events (such as concerts or sporting events) where you aren’t able to determine vaccination status, it’s still a good idea to wear a mask.
• Indoor activity. Once the weather cools, outdoor events become more difficult. Even a gathering of fully vaccinated people can be reasonably safe. Try to limit contact, wear masks where possible and practice good hygiene and social distancing. It also helps to be in a well-ventilated building to help limit airborne transmission.

And that’s all there is to it. No secret formula, just common sense.

Home Care Powered by AUAF Can Help

Seniors who need some help at home while determining how to stay safe can turn to us for help. From personal care to meal preparation, Home Care Powered by AUAF helps seniors. Ready to find out more? Start by contacting us or calling (773) 274-9262.