Town of Andover Shares Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

ANDOVER — Andover officials wish to share state and federal guidelines for individuals who are fully vaccinated.

As of Monday, April 19, any person age 16 and older who lives, works or studies in Massachusetts is eligible to receive a vaccine.

To learn more about the benefits of vaccination, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here. Residents can preregister for an appointment at a mass vaccination site by clicking here, check for available vaccination appointments once they are eligible here, and are encouraged to contact their local pharmacies to learn about vaccination opportunities.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated more than two weeks after they have received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or more than two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine.

Residents are reminded that, regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated or not, the statewide mask mandate for all public spaces remains in effect.

“As more and more individuals become vaccinated, it is important that everyone still continues to do their part to prevent any further spread of this disease in the community,” Director of Public Health Thomas Carbone said. “This includes wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and staying home if you feel sick.”

The state has updated the travel order and quarantine guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. Based on the new guidelines, these individuals can:

• Travel to Massachusetts without quarantining upon arrival or obtaining a negative test result. Proof of vaccination may be required. This exception does not apply to individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19, who must follow all testing and quarantine guidance outlined in the travel rules. More information about the travel order can be found here. Fully vaccinated individuals, as well as those who have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days (from day of symptom onset or day of first positive test if asymptomatic) are no longer required to quarantine following an exposure. More information can be found here.
• COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from the COVID-19 disease. 

It is not yet known if people who receive the vaccination will need to be re-vaccinated or whether those who are fully vaccinated can still spread the disease to others. As a result, even those who are fully vaccinated are urged to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing and following public health guidance to stop the spread. To learn more, click here.

People who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic, however, as long they continue to take the necessary precautions when doing so.

The following is guidance for the CDC for fully vaccinated individuals:

• Those who are fully vaccinated can safely visit others who are fully vaccinated indoors, without wearing masks or physical distancing.
• Those who are fully vaccinated can visit unvaccinated people from a single household who are not at risk for severe COVID-19 disease. These visits can take place indoors, without wearing masks or physical distancing.
• Fully vaccinated individuals should continue following precautions in public, like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing.
• Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease.
• Wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households.
• Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings.
• Get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• Follow guidance issued by individual employers.
• Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations.

This guidance will be updated as the number of vaccinated individuals increases. The Town will continue to share information as it becomes available.

The Town continues to closely monitor the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular updates and case information can be found on its official website, at www.Andoverma.gov/coronavirus.

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