I’m Vaccinated, But My Kids Aren’t—What Activities Are Safe for Our Family?

The long-awaited day has arrived—it’s vaccination day! Vaccine distribution is expanding across various locations, and many states have entered an “open season” phase for everyone aged 16 and older. The U.S. has exceeded President Biden’s initial target of administering “100 million vaccines in his first 100 days,” achieving this milestone by day 58.

Yesssss! cheers excitedly Reports indicate a growing sense of optimism as vaccination numbers rise and COVID-19 cases decline. “We’ve turned a corner,” states Claire Hannan, the executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers. “We’re consistently distributing vaccines and making progress.”

What Does This Mean for Fully Vaccinated Individuals?

So, what does this mean for fully vaccinated individuals? Can they return to their pre-pandemic routines? The CDC suggests that fully vaccinated adults can safely interact with other vaccinated adults without masks or social distancing. Hooray! It seems my neighborhood book club is back in action!

Families with Children Under 16

However, what about families with children under 16? Vaccines for younger kids are not yet available, and the timeline for their rollout remains uncertain. With spring in the air and children eager to socialize after a year of isolation, should we consider traveling, visiting the beach, or going to amusement parks? The answer is not so straightforward.

Dr. Emily Thompson, co-director of pediatric infectious diseases at Children’s Hospital, advises families with unvaccinated children to avoid rushing back into pre-pandemic activities, even if both parents are fully vaccinated. “We are starting to emerge from this darkness,” says Thompson, but “it’s still not completely safe.”

This means your kids can visit grandma and grandpa, but it’s best to do so in a private setting rather than a large gathering. Infectious disease expert Dr. Samira Patel from Yale Medicine explains that fully vaccinated grandparents can safely interact with their vaccinated family members, but the risk is not entirely eliminated. Grandparents, despite being vaccinated, may still engage in activities that could expose them—and subsequently your children—to COVID-19.

Socializing Safely

As we gradually re-enter society, we must remain vigilant about the risks associated with socializing. Experts continue to advise against indoor, mask-less playdates until children can receive their vaccinations. Outdoor gatherings are safer, and if kids do play indoors, they should still wear masks. The good news is that the risk of children contracting COVID-19 continues to decline, allowing us to slowly expand our social circles and invite that friend our kids have missed for ages—perhaps for a game of tag in the backyard.

Public Spaces and Activities

What about public spaces? While some of us may have avoided indoor playgrounds before the pandemic due to cleanliness concerns, our children still need outlets for their energy. Dr. Lisa Martin, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, recommends steering clear of crowded indoor venues, even if the adults in the family are vaccinated. “The key is to avoid crowded places where you can’t control the environment,” she states.

Kids often struggle to keep masks on and maintain hygiene, making it unsafe to let them play freely in crowded areas. I understand the challenge of keeping energetic kids entertained, especially on long summer days. Activities like GoNoodle, creating obstacle courses indoors, or even outdoor adventures are great alternatives.

For our family, crowded indoor play areas will have to wait until all five of us are fully vaccinated. With spring break approaching and summer on the horizon, many are considering travel. The CDC currently advises against recreational travel, but for those who choose to travel, extra precautions are essential.

Traveling Safely

First, the CDC recommends waiting two weeks after full vaccination before traveling. Driving is generally safer than flying, as it allows for greater control over exposure to others. Opting for destinations with open spaces, like mountains or lakes, is preferable to crowded tourist spots. The safest travel method is by car, with minimal stops, while flying—especially with layovers or cruises—remains the least safe option.

Like many families, we’ve experienced cabin fever. We’re eager to explore our state more, possibly taking a road trip to a secluded lake or renting an AirBnB for a night. We’ll prepare our own meals or order takeout, enjoying a change of scenery without venturing into crowded spaces. We’ll hold off on airline travel until all of us, including my three children, are vaccinated.

Returning to School

As for schools, the CDC has advocated for in-person learning, as schools that follow health guidelines have not proven to be significant sources of COVID-19 transmission. The experts I consulted would send their school-aged children back to in-person classes if proper safety measures are in place.

Conclusion

In summary, while the outside world is safer than it was last year, we are not completely out of the woods. Enjoying family gatherings is great, but it might be wise to delay large celebrations like birthday parties for a while longer. Local road trips can provide fresh air and exercise, but entering crowded restaurants remains a risk.

Deciding whether to send children back to in-person schooling is a personal choice that depends on comfort levels, health risks, and how effectively schools are managing COVID-19. Regardless of your family’s readiness, it’s reassuring to see progress in the right direction, making this spring significantly brighter than last year.

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Summary

As vaccination efforts continue, families with unvaccinated children must remain cautious about resuming normal activities. While vaccinated adults can socialize without masks, it’s crucial to limit exposure for kids until they too can receive their vaccines. Outdoor gatherings and road trips are safer options, while crowded indoor venues should be avoided. Schools that implement health measures are relatively safe, but returning to in-person learning remains a personal decision.

Keyphrase: Family Activities During COVID-19

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