Fully vaccinated travellers 'less likely' to get and spread Covid-19

A couple taking snapshots at Leboh Pasar, a popular tourist destination in KL. The CDC still warns travellers against visiting Malaysia. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

Fully vaccinated travellers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The agency said that fully vaccinated people can travel within the United States and do not need Covid-19 testing or post-travel self-quarantine as long as they continue to take precautions while travelling.

These safety measures include wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, social distancing, and washing hands frequently.

“Given recent studies evaluating the real-world effects of vaccination, CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk to themselves, ” CDC said in a statement.

A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine.

However, the CDC warned that not everyone’s immune system would immediately be boosted upon completing the recommended vaccine dose.

“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, ” CDC explained.

The guidance issued also does not change the agency’s existing guidance for people who are not fully vaccinated.

“CDC discourages non-essential domestic travel by those who are not fully vaccinated, ” said the agency.

CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the vaccine could help the world return to some form of normalcy soon.

“Vaccines can help us return to the things we love about life, so we encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as they have the opportunity, ” she said in a statement.

The recent development came after Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said individuals who complete two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine may be allowed to travel interstate or even abroad.

That decision is still pending approval from the National Security Council.

CDC, however, still lists Malaysia on Level 4 of Covid-19 alert, which is the highest alert for the coronavirus. The agency said US travellers should avoid all travel here.

“Because of the current situation in Malaysia even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading Covid-19 variants and should avoid all travel to Malaysia, ” said CDC on its website.

“If you must travel to Malaysia, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travellers should wear a mask, stay 6ft (1.8m) from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands, ” the agency added.