Weekly Update for 5.28.21

Summer travel plans? Here's what you need to know.

Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off of the summer travel season, and after months of staying home, many of us are ready to hit the road, the rails, and the skies.

If you're fully vaccinated

If you're fully vaccinated, you can travel knowing you're less likely to get and/or spread COVID-19. You do still need to take some precautions - the Centers for Disease Control says fully vaccinated people should still: 

• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation and in transportation hubs (like airports and stations).
• Follow state and local recommendations and requirements. 
• Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. 

If you have a condition or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.
  

If you're not fully vaccinated

If you're not yet fully vaccinated, CDC recommends you delay domestic and international travel until you're vaccinated, if possible. If you must travel, CDC has this advice for unvaccinated travelers: 

• Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.
• While traveling, wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
• Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
• After you travel, get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
• Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

Do your research

As you consider your travel plans, don't hesitate to call ahead and ask hotel managers about precautions in place to protect guests and staff, and ask about refund policies in case you need to cancel.

Check the current COVID-19 transmission rates at your destination. If the area is experiencing a spike in cases, you may want to travel somewhere else.
 

CDC Travel Planner

The CDC has an online tool that helps you check the local restrictions at your destination so you know in advance what is expected and allowed. 
 

Traveling internationally

CDC has specific recommendations for international travel, and you can find this and much more on the CDC website.

Free Rides to Your Vaccine Appointment

Ready to get vaccinated, but need a ride to your appointment? Help is available!

Free Rides from Uber

Now through July 4, you’ll get up to 4 free rides (up to $25 each) to and from your vaccination appointments. Your rides will be free, but your drivers will be paid in full. And don’t forget to give some extra thanks to your drivers by remembering to tip!

Get more info from Uber

Free Rides from Lyft

Now through July 4, get a ride code directly through the Lyft app or website for up to $15 each for two rides. Ride codes can be used for Lyft rideshare, bike or scooter rides during standard pharmacy operating hours (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). 

Get more info from Lyft

Free Rides from the Brunswick Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Residents in Camden, Glynn, or McIntosh counties who have an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine but don't have access to transportation can call 1-866-543-6744 for a free ride to and from the appointment. The Brunswick (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated received a $4,500 grant to provide transportation for residents of these three counties.

Get more info from the Coastal Health District

Your Vaccine Story

- Cindy G., Springfield

See more stories at YourVaccineStory.com

Q: If I have an underlying condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.