With the CDC’s recent announcement stating that vaccinated individuals can now return to what were “normal” everyday activities before the start of the pandemic without using a mask, you may be wondering what this means for your immunocompromised friends and family. Here’s what you need to know about visiting immunocompromised individuals outside of healthcare settings.
I’m vaccinated, but my immunocompromised friend or family member is not.
Regardless of whether you’re vaccinated, if you are visiting an immunocompromised individual who is unvaccinated, you should wear a mask and practice social distancing. The CDC believes the likelihood of a vaccinated individual spreading COVID-19 is low but recommends this protocol for extra precaution.
I’m vaccinated, and so is my immunocompromised friend or family member.
So long as everyone in the room is vaccinated and not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms/has not had direct exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual within the last ten days, the CDC states that it is okay to gather without masks. However, please be respectful of comfort level and personal preference. Always ask the person you are visiting if he/she would prefer that you wear a mask.
I’m vaccinated, and so is my immunocompromised friend or family member, but he/she lives in a facility that requires mask-wearing/social distancing.
Although the CDC considers it safe for vaccinated individuals to gather without masks, masks may still be required at federal, state, and local levels, including businesses. If the facility requires masks and social distancing, you must adhere to their rules.
*Please note that at this time, the CDC is recommending that proper mask-wearing and social distancing protocols be in place at healthcare facilities.
We hope these scenarios help to clarify mask-wearing and social distancing protocols for visiting immunocompromised loved ones.
Stay healthy!
-Vantage Hospice
