The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that if you’re fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), have waited through two weeks of immunity buildup, and are otherwise healthy, you’re all clear to travel. But that may feel easier said than done.
When making your travel plans, it is important to keep in mind some overarching questions:
- What are the local COVID-19 caseloads?
- How burdened is the local healthcare system?
- How much risk do I need to incur to entertain myself once there?
“The answer will be specific to where you’re going—as well as where you’re coming from—says Scott A. Weisenberg, MD, director of the Travel Medicine Program at NYU Langone Health. “In other words, the public health picture in a destination matters only as it relates to the one in your local area.”
Dr. Weisenberg says taking all CDC-recommended precautions, such as wearing a face mask and social distancing where appropriate, should still be utilized, even for vaccinated people.
Depending on where you live, you might need to get a PCR test once you return home from an international trip. Schools and workplaces also may require this to return after time abroad.
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