CDC Updates Travel Guidance for People Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD, and André Sofair, MD, MPH

People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to get tested before or after travel within the United States — unless their travel destination mandates testing — according to updated guidance from the CDC issued on Friday. People are considered fully vaccinated once they are 2 weeks past their final vaccine dose.

Fully vaccinated people also do not need to self-quarantine after travel in the U.S.

For international travel, the guidance differs, as international destinations may pose additional risks, such as greater exposure to SARS-CoV-2 variants. Fully vaccinated people do not need to get tested before their international trip unless their destination requires it, but they should get tested 3 to 5 days after they return to the U.S. (they're also still required to have a negative test result within 3 days before boarding their return flight). They don't need to self-quarantine upon return.

The CDC does advise delaying all travel until a person is fully vaccinated, and all travelers — including the fully vaccinated — should continue to wear masks, maintain physical distance from others, and wash their hands frequently.

On a related note, infectious disease specialist Dr. Paul Sax has updated his vaccine FAQs on the NEJM COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center. They now include his answers regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Have a look at the link below.