As of June 14, 2021, more than 64 percent of Americans had received at least their first vaccination against COVID-19. MyPsoriasisTeam members who have been vaccinated are eagerly sharing their hopes and plans now that vaccination has lowered their risk for experiencing serious illness from the potentially deadly virus.

“Having had the vaccinations has done wonders for my mental state,” shared one member. “I feel like I can live my life again! I can spend time with my 90-year-old mother, my sister, adult kids, and grandson. So worth it!”

Fun With Friends and Family

Many MyPsoriasisTeam members are excited for fun activities with friends and family again. “Getting ready to have Tripoly club tomorrow,” wrote one member. “Excited to see my friends. We are all vaccinated.”

Others are reveling in a return to normal social plans. “Entertaining my son [this weekend] — first visit in six months,” said another member. “Going for a walk and enjoying Indian takeout.”

Still others are nervous about socializing again after being quarantined for a year — and that’s normal, experts say.

“Reentering society and socializing again is going to be a process,” wrote author Clay Drinko, Ph.D., in March. “Just like adjusting to pandemic life last year, this new transition is going to have its ups and downs. Instead of having unreasonably high expectations (I’m going to host a block party and be the belle of the ball), try to take it one step at a time and be curious about how each new interaction affects you (I'm going to try to talk to the neighbor and just see how it goes).”

Medical Appointments and Personal Care

About half of American adults have delayed or skipped some aspect of medical or dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. As MyPsoriasisTeam members get vaccinated, many are taking the earliest opportunity to schedule medical visits, eye appointments, and dental exams. “Have a first appointment with my new dentist next week,” said one member.

Others are looking forward to hair care and other personal care appointments as well. “Yippee! First hair salon visit today since March 2020,” one member wrote. “Keeping my gray. Oh happy day! Next will be facial and pedicure. Out in the real world now that I’m fully vaccinated. Wear your masks!!”

Looking Forward To Travel

As travel restrictions lift and more people are vaccinated, some MyPsoriasisTeam members are beginning to look forward to their first vacations in more than a year. Some members are hoping to travel to meet each other for the first time.

“When it is safe to travel again, my husband and I want to visit Alaska,” said one member.

“The next time I go to visit [my brother], maybe we can meet,” wrote another member to one of their MyPsoriasisTeam friends. “Take care of yourself until then. Praying for us!”

Staying Cautious After Vaccination

Members continue to emphasize the importance of being cautious when socializing.

“Good afternoon! Please, everyone stay healthy, careful, and safe,” wrote one member to the rest of the network.

Even after you are fully vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends continuing to take precautions such as:

• Wearing masks
• Staying six feet apart from others in public spaces
• Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated public spaces

Ensuring that you continue to prioritize your safety can help ease your mind as you get back into the swing of post-vaccine life, wrote psychologist Marina Harris, Ph.D., in May. “By following guidelines and associated protocols, combined with the vaccine, you’re being as safe as you can possibly be.”

Local health authorities may have additional guidelines in place for your state or county. Be sure to check what’s permitted before planning activities.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 94,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriatic disease.

Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19? Are you making plans now that your risk for infection is lower? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.