Is it okay for vaccinated people to go to crowded places?

COVID-19 vaccines are very effective against severe illness. But even the best vaccines are not 100% preventative against infection. It is expected that a small percentage of vaccinated people can still get COVID-19; these are called “vaccine breakthrough cases”. Early research on vaccine breakthroughs suggests that the likelihood of these rare cases depends on the amount of COVID transmission in a community, level of exposure, and virus variant.

Less transmission in a community means fewer vaccine breakthrough cases. To limit spread, consider the 2 out of 3 rule. When near unvaccinated people, you should adhere to 2 of these 3 strategies: wearing a mask, social distancing, or staying outside. For example, if you go to an indoor event (like a restaurant or religious service) with more than 10 people of unknown vaccination status, it is recommended to keep 6 feet apart and wear a mask when not eating. 

Still uncertain? Listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "I don't think I would — even if I'm vaccinated — go into an indoor, crowded place where people are not wearing masks," said Fauci in an interview with Business Insider published early April.