What to do if you are vaccinated and exposed to COVID-19

While the slow rise in COVID-19 cases can make it feel like we are going back in time, there is a big difference. Vaccines are available to any adult who wishes to receive their vaccination. Even so, getting the call or message that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 regardless of your vaccination status is terrifying.

What should you do if you’ve been vaccinated and exposed to someone who tests positive for the virus? It is very unlikely that people who have been vaccinated will spread the virus or get the disease symptomatically. Still, there is a margin of error and a breakthrough in COVID-19 is possible.

There are a few steps you can take to calm yourself down:

Monitor your symptoms

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccinated people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days. These include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of smell and taste, and fatigue. These symptoms are often mistaken for those of the common cold and it is important to stay vigilant.

Get a COVID-19 test

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When these symptoms occur, people should remain isolated and get tested for the virus. A test should be done immediately and another 5 days later to make sure the results were correct. If you tested positive for COVID-19, you should remain in isolation for at least 10 days since your last COVID-19 test.

Mask yourself if necessary

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After all, mask requirements are fluctuating now as COVID-19 cases increase. It’s always best to play it safe, even if you are vaccinated, and to mask yourself indoors and in crowded spaces. While the vaccine against the virus is highly effective, it is still not a foolproof solution. By wearing a mask, you will protect yourself and other people in your community and slow down the spread of the virus from person to person.