Re-engaging with our friends, families and neighbors is an important part of moving onward from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who are fully vaccinated, the vaccine's strong protection against the virus can mean a return to normalcy like picnics and family reunions, school, sports and dinner parties even hugs and kisses all those activities that we’ve missed since the pandemic began in early 2020.

Yet the risks of COVID-19 persist, and some continued precautions will be necessary for some individuals, like adults who may remain unvaccinated, children too young for the vaccine and people who may have compromised immune systems.

Individuals should consider their own unique circumstances and evaluate what safety measures are needed.

"Masks are still appropriate in non-safe places, just as if you were going into war when you need your helmet and other personal protective equipment. A mask is part of your safety equipment," said Dr. David Hrncir, medical director, Central Vaccine Safety Hub, Defense Health Agency Immunizations Healthcare Division.

While research shows that full vaccination does provide a very high level of protection against the virus, some people who are fully vaccinated may prefer to continue precautions.

Jennifer Akin, a MHS beneficiary, stated that she still fears for the health of her son, who will soon turn six, and is therefore not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination under current U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance.

"Now that I'm fully-vaccinated I feel safe, but I am concerned about my son contracting the virus, so I wear a mask in solidarity with him whenever we are in indoor public spaces," Akin said.

The Delta variant, which appears to spread faster and more easily than prior strains of the virus, is now estimated to be responsible for more than 80 percent of all new cases of COVID-19 across the U.S.

Nevertheless, the FDA-approved vaccines continue to provide effective protection against the Delta variant; an estimated 99.7% of those hospitalized with the Delta variant are unvaccinated.

Infectious disease experts are also looking at the new Lambda variant from South America.

Making the Right Decision

What should you know before making a decision whether to continue COVID-19 protocols?

A key question for each individual is whether they've been vaccinated and when.

Full protection from the virus takes effect about two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. Vaccines are available under emergency authorization for use in the U.S for those 12 years of age or older.

Second, decide if you are willing to take the risks of developing the Delta variant or some forthcoming mutation of COVID-19.