If I’m vaccinated, why do I still have to wear a mask and physically distance?

No vaccine is 100% effective. The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective, but there is no way to know who the few that still may get infected will be. Vaccinated individuals have a better chance of not having symptoms even if they are infected with COVID, which is a good thing — except that you could unknowingly pass it onto someone else.

Wearing a mask and keeping physically distant when indoors helps to protect others, particularly those who have not been or cannot be vaccinated and those who are the most vulnerable.

SOURCE: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/already-vaccinated-heres-why-you-shouldnt-stop-wearing-your-face-mask-yet/ (Cleveland Clinic)

Updated 12/12/2022