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

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The moment many have been looking forward to has finally arrived—it’s vaccination day! With the rollout of vaccines progressing across various cities, many states are now allowing vaccinations for everyone aged 16 and older. The United States has surpassed President Biden’s initial goal of administering “100 million vaccines in his first 100 days,” achieving this milestone in just 58 days.

Yay! enthusiastic applause According to NPR, there’s a growing sense of optimism as vaccination rates climb and COVID-19 cases decline. “We’ve turned a corner,” says Laura Thompson, executive director of the National Immunization Alliance. “Vaccines are being distributed consistently, and we are making headway.”

But what does this mean for fully vaccinated individuals? Can we truly resume our lives as they were before the pandemic? Is it safe to return to normalcy? The CDC suggests a cautious yes—fully vaccinated adults can now gather with other fully vaccinated adults without the need for masks or social distancing. Hooray! It seems like my local book club is making a comeback!

What About Families with Kids Under 16?

However, what about families with kids under 16? Their vaccinations are still not available, and the timeline for this remains uncertain. As spring arrives, the sun is shining, and these children have missed playdates for an entire year. Can we start traveling? Visiting beaches? Going to amusement parks? Indoor play centers like arcades or trampoline parks? Not exactly. “Families with unvaccinated children shouldn’t rush back into pre-pandemic activities, even if both parents are fully vaccinated,” advises Dr. Emma Rodriguez, co-director of pediatric infectious diseases at Sunshine Children’s Hospital. “We’re beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Dr. Rodriguez says, “but it’s not full daylight yet.”

This means that while your kids can safely visit Grandma and Grandpa, it’s advisable to do so in a smaller setting, rather than at large gatherings. Infectious disease expert Dr. Samir Patel from Brightside Medicine explains, “Fully vaccinated grandparents can interact with their children and grandchildren in a household setting.” However, experts caution that even a visit with Grandma isn’t entirely risk-free for unvaccinated kids. After all, Grandma may be out in the world, returning to work, attending social events, or shopping—and while it’s great that she’s engaging with life again, she could still potentially carry and transmit COVID-19.

As the world becomes increasingly safer with each vaccination, we must remain vigilant and mindful of the risks as we gradually reintegrate our children into social settings.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Activities

Infectious disease specialists emphasize that although vaccines are widely available, it’s still not the time for indoor, mask-less playdates. Outdoor playdates are safer, and if kids do come indoors, they should continue wearing masks. On a positive note, the likelihood of our children contracting COVID-19 diminishes as time goes on. As weeks pass, we can slowly widen our social circle and perhaps invite over that friend our kids have been missing for a year, even if it’s just to play tag in the backyard.

What about outings to public places? Some of us weren’t fond of indoor play areas before COVID due to their germy nature, but our kids need an outlet for their energy, especially on rainy days. Dr. Tara Green, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Happy Valley Hospital, advises steering clear of crowded indoor spaces, even for vaccinated adults. “The key is to avoid crowded environments where you have no control over interactions,” she explains.

It’s important to remember that children often struggle with keeping masks on and maintaining cleanliness. Letting them dive into a ball pit or navigate a maze filled with unfamiliar kids still poses risks.

I understand the importance of keeping kids active, especially during long summer days. Mine enjoy doing GoNoodles, creating obstacle courses in the basement, or earning some money with chores when they need to burn off steam. On rainy days, I often send them outside—splashing in puddles, or searching for worms is always fun!

Travel Considerations

For our family, crowded indoor venues will have to wait until all five of us are fully vaccinated. With spring break and summer approaching, travel is on many minds. The CDC still advises against recreational travel (although the bustling crowds in Florida may not have received that message). If you choose to travel, it’s best to take additional precautions.

The CDC recommends waiting two weeks after being fully vaccinated before heading out of town to ensure maximum protection. Opting for a road trip is a safer alternative to flying, as you can better control exposure. Choosing destinations with wide-open spaces—like mountains for hiking or secluded lakes for swimming—is preferable to crowded tourist spots.

The safest travel method is by car, minimizing stops along the way. Flying with layovers or going on a cruise is currently the least safe option according to the CDC.

Like everyone else, my family is feeling the effects of cabin fever. We barely left the house last year except for occasional hikes or neighborhood walks. Now, we’re eager to explore our state—maybe drive a few hours without too many stops, set up camp at a lake, or rent a cozy AirBnB for a night. We’ll bring our own food or order takeout, relishing the chance to enjoy scenery beyond our own four walls! 2022 may be the year for air travel for us, but not until all of us, including my three children, have received vaccinations.

Schools and Safety Measures

And what about schools? The CDC has been advocating for schools to remain open, as they haven’t been the hotspots for COVID transmission that many feared—at least those adhering to proper safety measures. Schools that implement mask mandates, social distancing, and quarantine protocols are generally safe (though this varies).

In summary, the world outside is certainly safer than it was a year ago. However, the pandemic is not over. You can enjoy having Grandma and Grandpa over for dinner, but maybe hold off on that Chuck E. Cheese birthday party until next year. Taking a local road trip for fresh air and exercise is great, but cramming your family into a packed Disney restaurant is still a significant risk.

Deciding whether to send your children back to in-person school is a personal choice that parents need to consider based on their comfort level, their children’s health, and the safety measures in their school district. Even if you or your children aren’t ready to return just yet, or your district isn’t open for in-person schooling, take solace in the fact that progress is being made, and we’re moving in the right direction.

At the very least, this spring looks much brighter than last year’s, and we can all be grateful for that.

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Summary

As families navigate post-vaccination life, it’s essential to balance safety with the desire for social interaction. While fully vaccinated adults can gather without masks, families with unvaccinated children should remain cautious, especially regarding indoor activities and crowded spaces. Outdoor playdates are safer, and travel should be approached with care. Ultimately, parents must make informed decisions about their children’s activities based on their comfort levels and local COVID-19 safety measures.

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