If you received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, the CDC says you are fully vaccinated two weeks after your second shot.

If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC says you are fully vaccinated two weeks after your single shot.

The CDC says¹ fully vaccinated people:

• Can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic
• Do not need to social distance or wear a mask, except where required by federal, state, local, and other laws and guidelines (You can find information on Massachusetts mask requirements in the “Do I still need to wear a mask?” section below)
• Do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel in the U.S.
• Do not need to stay away from others or get tested if they’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, unless they have symptoms

Learn more on the CDC website.¹

When traveling outside of Massachusetts, it’s important to pay attention to the rules and guidance of the place you’re visiting, as mask mandates and restrictions may vary by state. If you are considering international travel, see the CDC’s travel recommendations by destination¹ for guidance.

Some people have weakened immune systems from HIV, other illnesses, or certain medications. The CDC says¹ this population may receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the vaccine may not provide complete protection for people with weakened immune systems. This means you should continue to follow current guidance¹ to protect yourself against COVID, including wearing a face mask and practicing physical distancing to protect yourself and others.

Unvaccinated people are still at risk of getting infected with COVID-19, says the CDC. The virus has not gone away. As of June 4,¹ there were nearly 5,100 active COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. And contagious variants¹ continue to spread. If you are unvaccinated and get infected, there is a risk¹ of hospitalization and death.

If you choose not to get the COVID-19 vaccine, you should:

• Continue following the CDC’s safety precautions.¹
• Wear a face mask and practice physical distancing to protect yourself and others.
• Understand your risk for different types of activities. See this CDC chart.¹
• Follow mask and physical distance recommendations posted by local businesses. Be prepared to wear a mask to places requesting this of all unvaccinated persons.

On May 13, the CDC announced¹ that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in most settings. On May 29, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts lifted the mask mandate¹ statewide.

There are settings where masks will still be required. Some examples are:

• Trains, buses, ferries, and other forms of public transportation
• Taxis and ride shares, such as Uber and Lyft
• Airplanes
• Healthcare facilities
• Public schools and childcare programs
• Congregate care facilities, such as assisted living facilities and group homes

View the full list¹ of locations in Massachusetts that still require face coverings on Mass.gov.

Local businesses and workplaces may continue to require masks as well. Be aware of signs requiring face coverings before entering a business. And check with your employer about mask requirements in your workplace.

Children 12 years old and older may receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC says.¹ If your child is old enough, vaccination can help protect your child from getting COVID-19 and keep them from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID, the CDC says. Children younger than 12 should continue to follow safety guidelines until they can get vaccinated. Look for the CDC to provide updates over the coming months.

In Massachusetts, masks are still required¹ in K-12 public schools, collaboratives, approved special education schools, and childcare programs. This requirement applies to students, teachers, and staff.

Many people missed preventive or routine healthcare and dental appointments during the pandemic. These kinds of appointments may include:

• Annual physical exams
• Eye exams
• Mammograms and other cancer screenings
• Dental cleanings and check-ups

Talk to your doctor about rescheduling any in-person appointments you may have missed. Even if you have been having video visits, your doctor may want to see you in person now that you are vaccinated.