Currently, CDC guidelines remain very cautious for those who’ve received both of their shots, recommending that “while experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic.” But while appearing by video conference at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on Feb. 8, Fauci addressed a question about when people who’ve been fully vaccinated will be able to safely spend time together once again.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Fauci pointed out that while CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals currently exist and are clear, there has so far been no differentiating clarification from the agency on how groups of fully vaccinated people can behave, CNN reports. “But I believe that’s going to change,” he said. “We’re talking about this at the level of the CDC.” And for more upcoming changes from the agency, check out Dr. Fauci Says the CDC May Make This Major Mask Change Soon. Fauci went on to explain how even though he has been immunized, he has still been following the recommended guidelines to wear a mask and stay socially distant when visiting family. “I’m doubly vaccinated. My daughter is doubly vaccinated. The last time she tried to come home, she had to go quarantine for 14 days and get tested,” he explained. “It was a big, big deal to finally see my daughter in the same room. I think that’s going to have to change.” He then added: “What’s the reason to get vaccinated in the first place, if you don’t want to get to normal?” And for more on what to expect from your dose, check out If This Happens After Your Vaccine, the FDA Says You Should Call 911. Fauci has pointed out how the vaccine does’t offer immediate protection, not even after both doses. During a virtual town hall hosted by CNN on Jan. 27, he explained that COVID mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer don’t immediately confer full protection against COVID to those who’ve received them. “You can get some degree of protection 10 days after the first dose, but you can’t rely on that,” Fauci said. “The maximum immunity begins about 10 days and beyond following the second dose.” And for more post-dose-2 side effects to expect, check out Dr. Fauci Says He Had These Side Effects From His Second Vaccine Dose. The CDC has continuously changed guidelines as more data becomes available. In January, for example, the agency amended its suggested immunization timeline, saying that people could now wait up to six weeks (or 42 days) after their first dose of the COVID vaccine to get their second dose “if it is not feasible to adhere to the recommended interval” (which is 21 days for Pfizer and 28 for Moderna). This was changed from the CDC’s previous guidelines, which said that “there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses for either vaccine,” while still noting that second doses should not be given earlier than the timeframe recommended. And for more on certain activities you should be avoiding post-jab, check out You Should Never Do This After Getting the COVID Vaccine, Officials Say.
