VISITING ANGELS JENKINTOWN, PA 215-938-7201
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Life After My COVID Vaccine: What Older Adults Should Know

Life After My COVID Vaccine: What Older Adults Should Know

It’s been over a year since the World Health Organization declared COVID a global pandemic. Seniors were quickly identified as a high-risk population for severe illness with COVID. Certain medical conditions only increased the risk for severe illness for seniors. Since the onset of COVID, the senior population has suffered the most regarding isolation from family and friends. Younger generations have had opportunities to gather while wearing a mask and staying six feet apart. However, older adults with certain medical conditions have had to maintain an even greater distance from family and friends to protect their own health.

A year later, COVID vaccines are now available. Many seniors are happily rolling up their sleeves to receive their first (or second) dose of the vaccine. Once vaccinated, some seniors are eagerly awaiting that first hug from their grandchildren post-COVID or finally taking that vacation that was postponed last year.

Yet, despite being fully vaccinated, some seniors are still anxious about COVID. They don’t feel comfortable allowing family into their homes. They are apprehensive about shopping in stores, visiting the library, or attending events in person. After a year of being told to remain six feet apart and stay at home as much as possible, some seniors are confused about what’s safe now that they’ve received their COVID vaccine. Here’s what older adults should know about life after their COVID vaccine, according to new guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Can I hug my grandchildren?

Yes! The CDC guidelines indicate that it is okay for fully vaccinated older adults to give those grandchildren a long, overdue hug, as long as those grandchildren are healthy. Children are considered low risk, so older adults can have confidence in participating in activities with their grandchildren. For an added precaution, ask your grandchildren where they’ve been over the last ten days. If they’ve pretty much kept to themselves or their family unit and have no COVID symptoms, the risk of getting something is extremely low. Other precautions to take include washing hands before and after the hug, keeping the hug brief, and hugging outdoors.

Can my family come inside my house?

It depends. The CDC guidelines indicate that older adults who are fully vaccinated can visit with the family from a single household who are at low risk for COVID. Masks and staying physically distant are not required in this case. However, precautions should be taken when visiting with family who is at increased risk for severe complications from COVID and unvaccinated family members from multiple households.

Is it safe to visit with my friends?

Again, the answer is that it depends. If you are fully vaccinated and your friends are also fully vaccinated, the risk of contracting COVID is low. The CDC guidelines state you can gather indoors without wearing a mask. For friends who have not been fully vaccinated, it’s safer to gather outdoors with them. It’s also safer to get together with friends from only one household, for now.

How soon can we take our vacation?

Vacations, unfortunately, are still not advised. This includes both domestic and international travel. If you feel the itch for a change of scenery, consider a day trip as the weather warms up. Pack a picnic lunch, travel to a park and keep to yourselves. Should you need to use a public restroom, wear a mask, avoid touching surfaces, and wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom.

Is it safe for me to return to church, stores, or community events?

Fully vaccinated older adults should continue to follow precautions whenever they are in public. This includes wearing a mask, maintaining a six-foot distance, and avoiding large crowds. The CDC also currently recommends avoiding medium and large-sized gatherings. Fully vaccinated older adults should use their best judgment when deciding whether to return to worship places or attend community events.

The CDC guidelines are continually evolving as more and more of the U.S. population receives a COVID vaccine. What may not be safe right now could be safe in a few months as the COVID vaccine becomes more available to younger population groups. Visit the CDC’s COVID-19 page for the latest information.

For your senior home care needs, look no further than Visiting Angels Jenkintown, PA. Throughout the COVID crisis, we have remained open while providing safe care to seniors in need. We understand how stressful and uncertain these times are for our clients and families right now. We are committed to providing quality home care services in a safe environment. We follow and implement COVID guidance provided by the CDC and federal, state, and local health directives. You do not have to wait until this crisis is over to start receiving the care and support you need today. Please contact us today by calling 215-938-7201 so that we can learn more about your situation.

Serving Jenkintown, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Glenside, Chestnut Hill, Flourtown and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels JENKINTOWN, PA
1250 Greenwood Ave #1A
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: 215-938-7201
215-938-7202
Fax: 215-887-7204

Serving Jenkintown, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Glenside, Chestnut Hill, Flourtown and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels JENKINTOWN, PA
1250 Greenwood Ave #1A
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: 215-938-7201
215-938-7202
Fax: 215-887-7204