Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.

Stay Safe from COVID-19

Stay Safe from COVID-19
Updated Nov. 2, 2022

Get Your COVID-19 Vaccines and Booster Shots

A woman is holding up her arm. She has a Band-Aid where she got her COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines help stop COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines can help keep you from getting very sick.
COVID-19 vaccines can help keep you from going to the hospital.

The COVID-19 virus has changed over time.
Different versions of the virus are called “variants.”
COVID-19 booster shots can help stop new variants.

Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots.
Ask your doctor what COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots you need.
Visit vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a COVID-19 vaccine.

Improve the Air in Your Home

Guests are visiting the home. Everyone is wearing a mask. The door and window of the home are opened wide.

Clearing and filtering the air helps stop COVID-19.
Let in air from outside to clear the air in your home.
Open doors and windows to let in air from outside.
Open doors and windows as wide as you can do safely.
Only let in air from outside if it is safe to do so.

Use fans to clear the air in your home. Use a fan to blow air out an open window. Turn on the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen. Turn on ceiling fans. Turn the thermostat fan to “on” instead of “auto.”

Use fans to clear the air in your home.
Use a fan to blow air out an open window.
Turn on the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen.
Turn on ceiling fans.
Turn the thermostat fan to “on” instead of “auto.”

A HEPA filter is filtering the air in the home.

Use a portable air cleaner to help filter the air in your home.
Portable air cleaners can be moved around your home.
They filter the air in one room. The best portable air cleaners are called “HEPA” cleaners.

Spend Time Outdoors

A man and woman are having a barbeque outdoors.

Fresh air helps stop COVID-19.
When you are with other people, spend time outdoors.
Moving activities outdoors can help you stay safe from COVID-19.

Take Extra Steps If Needed

Take extra steps to protect yourself if there is a lot of COVID-19 in your area.
Take extra steps to protect yourself if you may get very sick from COVID-19.
People who are 50 years old or older may get very sick.
Pregnant people may get very sick.
People with disabilities or serious health problems may get very sick.
People who have not gotten a COVID-19 shot may get very sick.
If any of the above sounds like you, take extra steps.

There are two extra steps you can take.
Keep a safe distance from others and wear a mask.
Ask your doctor what other steps you can take.

Keep A Safe Distance from Others

A man is bicycling outdoors. A woman is running outdoors. They are keeping a safe distance from one another.

Keep as much distance as you can from other people.
Stay away from crowds if you can.
Stay away from inside places with lots of people.

Wear a Mask

An older man has his arm around a woman. They are both wearing masks and have both been vaccinated.

Wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
The mask must cover your nose and mouth.
The mask must fit under your chin.
The mask must be snug on your face.
Make sure breathing is easy.

There are different kinds of masks.
One type of mask is called an N95 respirator.
N95 respirators are best at keeping people safe.
Only use an N95 respirator one time.