In the past month, nearly 35 million adults in the United States have become fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. With this increase in vaccinations, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has released several statements urging everyone who has received their vaccination to continue following the COVID-19 safety measures it put in place at the beginning of the pandemic. “We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions—like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces—in public places until we know more.” Below is a list of precautions included with the CDC’s announcement.

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others
• Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect
• Monitor your health daily

The CDC explains why these steps are still so essential to follow even if you have been vaccinated.

“We know that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death. We’re still learning how effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Early data show the vaccines may work against some variants but could be less effective against others. We know that other prevention steps help stop the spread of COVID-19 and that these steps are still important, even as vaccines are being distributed. We’re still learning how well COVID-19 vaccines keep people from spreading the disease. Early data show that the vaccines may help keep people from spreading COVID-19, but we are learning more as more people get vaccinated. We’re still learning how long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people.”

According to Johns Hopkins University data Thursday, at least 21 states recorded at least a 10% rise in daily average positive cases of Covid-19. This is a brutal reminder that the battle against the COVID-19 virus is still far from over. Remain vigilant and do everything you can to keep you and those around you safe.