People vaccinated against COVID-19 can skip quarantine if they are exposed to someone infected with the deadly bug, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said in its latest guidance.
“Individuals who are fully vaccinated and who meet the criteria no longer need to remain in quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19,” the CDC said.
“Vaccinated individuals with exposure to someone with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 need not be quarantined if they meet all of the following criteria,” the agency added.
The CDC noted that vaccinated people should continue to wear a mask, stay at least six feet away from others, avoid crowds and wash their hands regularly.
According to the updated guidance, people who have received both shots of the Pfizer / BioNTech or Moderna vaccines can only quarantine if at least two weeks have elapsed since the second jab, as it takes so long to build up full immunity.
But the CDC noted that people who received their last survey three months or more ago should still be in quarantine when exposed because it is not known how long protection lasts.
They should also hold self-quarantine if they show symptoms, the agency added.
“This recommendation to waive quarantine for people with vaccine-acquired immunity is in line with quarantine recommendations for people with natural immunity, which facilitates implementation,” the CDC said.
Meanwhile, vaccinated and residents in health care facilities must continue to remain in quarantine after exposure to someone with a suspected or confirmed case of the disease.
‘The outpatients must be cared for using appropriate precautions on the transfer. “This exception is due to the unknown vaccine efficacy in this population, the higher risk of serious diseases and deaths, and challenges with social removal in healthcare settings,” the CDC said.