The New York Times (4/2, A1, Rabin) reported the CDC announced that Americans who have been fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 can safely travel inside or outside the U.S., “as long as they take basic precautions like wearing masks.” The agency said they preferred that people not travel, but there is growing evidence that people who have been fully vaccinated can travel “at low risk to themselves.” 

CDC defines "fully vaccinated" as at least 2 weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine. Why the guidance change? The agency cited "recent studies" of real-world evidence proving vaccines work outside of a clinical trial environment.

International travel is still discouraged but these links shows guidance and restrictions by country and CDC guidance:

Dr. Walensky said she feels a sense of "impending doom" about another potential COVID-19 surge and issued an impassioned plea for Americans to maintain virus precautions. "We are not powerless; we can change this trajectory of the pandemic," Dr. Walensky said during a March 29 briefing at the White House. "I know you all so badly want to be done. I'm asking you to just hold on a little longer, to get vaccinated when you can so that all of those people that we all love will still be here when this pandemic ends." 

Dr. Walensky also states “cases are increasing nationally, and we are seeing this occur predominately in younger adults.” She cited the increasing spread of variants, but also a rise in youth sports and extracurricular activities as contributing to the steady increase over the last four weeks.

But Walensky pointed to positive developments among the most vulnerable age group, saying senior citizens’ virus deaths have reached their lowest levels since the early fall. More than 75% of those aged 65 or older nationally have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 55% are fully vaccinated. “What we’re seeing is both a decrease in emergency department visits as well as hospitalizations associated with that demographic”.

CDC says B.1.1.7 variant is predominant in regions of the U.S. where two-thirds of the population live and it spreads more easily and likely leads to more serious COVID-19 symptoms, sparking Walensky’s concern. But fortunately, the vaccines show very good effectiveness against this and other variants so far.

CDC Updated Home Page for COVID-19

A clinical scenario was raised recently when a patient refused to wear a mask, despite no verifiable medical exemption. The CDC guidance below does not specifically address this situation except advising providers to seek alternative options. This will likely require a case-by-case analysis and decision by the provider based upon risk status and visit type.

Patients have inquired about vaccine safety when taking biologic medications and how dermatologic conditions like psoriasis, eczema or dermal fillers might be impacted. The American Academy of Dermatology has encouraged vaccination and noted no general contraindications.