The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its travel guidance for fully vaccinated people to reflect the latest evidence and science.

The agency said that based on recent studies, it now recommends that fully vaccinated people can travel at minimal risk to themselves.

It stated that a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine.

The agency posited that fully vaccinated people can travel within the United States and do not need COVID-19 testing or post-travel self-quarantine as long as they continue to take COVID-19 precautions while traveling – wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, socially distancing, and washing hands frequently.

“With millions of Americans getting vaccinated every day, it is important to update the public on the latest science about what fully vaccinated people can do safely, now including guidance on safe travel,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. 

“We continue to encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as it’s their turn, so we can begin to safely take steps back to our everyday lives. Vaccines can help us return to the things we love about life, so we encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as they have the opportunity,” she added.

Because of the potential introduction and spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, differences in disease burden and vaccines, and vaccine coverage around the world, the CDC noted the following in its guidance to international travel:

• Fully vaccinated people can travel internationally without getting a COVID-19 test before travel unless it is required by the international destination.
• Fully vaccinated people do not need to self-quarantine after returning to the United States, unless required by a state or local jurisdiction.
• Fully vaccinated people must still have a negative COVID-19 test result before they board a flight to the United States and get a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after returning from international travel.
• Fully vaccinated people should continue to take COVID-19 precautions while traveling internationally.

The agency further noted that the guidance issued does not change the agency’s existing guidance for people who are not fully vaccinated.

It said unvaccinated travelers should still get tested 1-3 days before domestic travel and again 3-5 days after travel.

Moreover, it stated that they should stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel or 10 days if they don’t get tested at the conclusion of travel. 

CDC discourages non-essential domestic travel by those who are not fully vaccinated.

Readers Bureau, Contributor

Edited by Jesus Chan

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