Should you get a COVID test if you're fully vaccinated? The CDC has updated guidelines about when fully vaccinated people should get tested--here’s a summary of the current recommendations.
Remember:
- Don’t assume that your symptoms are just a cold or allergies.
- You may be contagious for up to 48 hours before you show symptoms.
- A test may not detect COVID-19 for up to 5 days after exposure.
- People without symptoms can still transmit the virus to others.
| Fully vaccinated | Unvaccinated |
| If you've been exposed to someone with COVID | Get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Wear a mask in public indoor spaces for 14 days following exposure or until you test negative. If your test is negative, monitor for symptoms for 14 days after you were exposed. If your test is positive, isolate for 10 days.
| Get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. Quarantine (stay at home) for 14 days even if your test result is negative. If your test is negative, monitor for symptoms for 14 days after you were exposed. If your test is positive, isolate for 10 days.
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If you have symptoms:
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