The surge in Covid-19 cases has compelled the government to open vaccination drive for all citizens. Everyone above the age of 18 is eligible for vaccination from May 1. Depending upon the jab you take, it can 30 to 45 days to get fully vaccinated. But the question remains, should you wait to travel after the first dose? Can the first dose of vaccine offer any immunity?
The answer is no. You are only truly protected from Covid-19 two weeks after having taken the second dose of vaccine. Nothing changes after the first dose. Therefore, it advisable to take all necessary precautions after the first jab and not advisable to travel until you are fully inoculated.
It is also imperative to mention that while the vaccine brings hope of everything returning to normal once more, it is going to be a long road to recovery till we can all roam freely again. Masks are not going to go away and social distancing is not going to stop anytime soon. You may be able to avoid quarantine post-inoculation but for the safety of everyone around you, it is better to take precautions and adhere to the social rules of the Covid era.
While several countries are allowing travelers without quarantine or RT-PCR, interactions between large groups of people is still frowned upon. Fully vaccinated people are at low risk, but it is important to be cautious and vigilant about interacting with people during your travels. In fact, it is better to choose to travel to places where majority of the people have been inoculated. Places like Maldives, Seychelles, Serbia, and Malta among others.
That said, the rules for vaccinated travelers are not going to be that easy as vaccinated people too can pass on the virus. There is also the threat of contagious variants that can evade vaccine protection.
Stay safe and help keep others safe as well…
