Protect Yourself and Others

It’s an uncertain time. But there are things you can do to avoid getting sick and feel more in control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19:

• Wear a mask
• Keep 6 feet from others who are not in your household
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• Get your COVID-19 vaccine

To learn more about who can get a COVID-19 vaccine and where to find yours, visit the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) website: Your COVID-19 Vaccination.

If you don’t have soap handy, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure that it is made with at least 60% alcohol.

If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, you are considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after your second dose of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), or two weeks after your one-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).

After you are fully vaccinated:

• You can start doing some things that you did before the pandemic.
• To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for added protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a mask indoors in public spaces if you are in an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases. You can find this information for your community at the CDC website.
• Check with your local government for the rules in your area.
• Find out if and when you should get an additional dose of vaccine – or booster shot – to strengthen your body’s protection against COVID-19. 

For more details and the latest guidance, visit When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated from the CDC. 

Also, it's important to do what you would usually do to avoid getting sick including:

• Cover sneezes and coughs – use the inside of your elbow, not your hands 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth 
• Clean surfaces touched often – for example, doorknobs, handles, phones, keypads, or remote controls
• Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal disease if you haven’t already as any illness can weaken your ability to fight another infection

Beyond these tried-and-true measures, people with existing heart conditions should take additional steps to stay healthy and heart strong