MIAMI VALLEY — With more than 37 percent of Ohioans now having received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot, many are wondering what they can do now that they couldn’t a year ago.
One of the big things people are looking forward to after the vaccinations and their two week waiting period, is travel.
This past week, a lot of people were in lines at the airport ready to get on a plane now that they have their vaccinations.
“I think, without vaccinations, we might have thought twice about going right now,” said Sherry Seta-Tabb, of Loveland.
Sherry and Patty Seta-Tabb headed to Key West, a place they visit annually, except for last year.
They feel confident again after being immunized.
“I had COVID, I’m glad to be beyond that and now the vaccinations, so it’s all good,” said Patty Seta-Tabb, of Loveland.
“It just makes travel so much easier, really our first travel since the pandemic, couldn’t happen at a better time, with all the protection,” Sherry said.
Doctor Joseph Allen, Regional Medical Director of Premier Health, said getting the vaccine gives you a little freedom to travel.
Being fully protected which happens 14 days after your last shot, motivated Allen to get the shots and is one of a list of advantages.
The CDC said the shots do give you the right to travel, inside the country and internationally.
They also let you be inside, without masks, with other vaccinated people and they allow you to see loved ones that are also immunized and living in long-term care facilities.
“I hear them say, why’d you get vaccinated, I just want to give Dad a hug, by all means, get out there and do that,” Allen said.
Doctors and the CDC say there are still a couple of don’ts for vaccinated people such as steering clear of those at risk of severe illness from COVID without a mask. They also say not to head out to medium to large groups of people yet.
It is not on the do or don’t list from the CDC, but mask-wearing and keeping a 6-foot distance are recommended by them.
Businesses may still require masks for a long time into the future.