Face masks for the fully vaccinated: A shopping guide
As medical experts learn more about Covid variants, the CDC continues to update its face mask guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals.
Sold in a pack of 50, these disposable face masks are designed with three layers of non-woven fiber fabric to filter out small particles while also providing breathability. They have an adjustable nose bridge and come in colors like Black, Green, Orange, Purple and Red.
Designed for kids ages 6 to 12, these disposable face masks feature three layers of fabric, soft ear loops and an adjustable nose clip. The masks come in multiple kid-friendly patterns like hearts and camouflage.
Onzie’s reusable masks are made from multiple layers of its performance fabric, which is constructed from the brand’s upcycled activewear material. Masks come in a pack of two in assorted patterns and have spandex ear loops. They’re machine-washable, and you can purchase them with or without a filter pocket. Onzie also offers kids masks.
The CDC says that neck gaiters are an acceptable type of face mask so long as they have at least two layers or are folded into two layers — however, medical experts told us that they would not encourage the use of gaiters with the Delta virus going around. If you choose to wear one, readers like this option, which boasts an adjustable strap in the back to customize its fit and a double layer pocket for a filter. The machine-washable gaiter also features an adjustable nose bridge and comes in three colors: Black, Navy Blue and White.
Generally, face mask mandates vary by state. However, cities and towns are now enforcing their own mandates depending on the level of transmission in the area, as are public spaces like schools, office buildings, restaurants and gyms. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently extended a federal requirement that travelers must wear masks on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation — regardless of vaccination status — traveling into, within or out of the U.S. through January 2022. Travelers also must wear masks inside transportation hubs like airports, bus stations and train stations.
People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccination series like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine like Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. In some parts of the country, like in New York and San Francisco, being fully vaccinated is now your ticket into certain public spaces like restaurants and gyms, and grants you the ability to attend certain events like indoor concerts. An increasing number of companies and schools across the country are also requiring proof of vaccination in order to return to work or in-person classes.
The CDC released its first set of recommendations for fully vaccinated people in March. Since then, the recommendations have been updated a few times, largely due to concerns over Covid variants. Recommendations include guidance about isolation, quarantine and testing, traveling and, of course, masking.
Below is the CDC’s general masking guidance for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, both indoors and outdoors.
Although risk of Covid infection, severe disease and death is reduced for fully vaccinated individuals, the CDC says a small proportion of infections do occur — and research shows that fully vaccinated people who become infected with the Delta variant specifically can transmit it to others. Because of this, the CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in indoor settings in areas with substantial or high community transmission to reduce their risk of getting sick with and spreading Covid.
Of course, fully vaccinated individuals may choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of community transmission, especially if they live with anyone who is unvaccinated, immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease. As for schools, the CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
People who are not fully vaccinated and over the age of 2 should wear a mask in indoor public places, according to the CDC.
The CDC says the risk of Covid transmission outdoors is minimal for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Thus, the organization says you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. But in areas with high numbers of Covid cases, the CDC suggests it might be prudent to wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings and if you’re participating in activities where you’ll be in close contact with unvaccinated individuals.
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