Can I ask my co-workers if they've been vaccinated?
The good news is about half of Americans who are 12 and older are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19. That means many people are now trying to get on with normal life, whether that means fully jumping back in or just dipping a toe. Many of us are physically back in the office, or making plans to return. And with summer around the corner, there will be more social events, backyard BBQs, sporting events and more. Given the past year, youre not alone in wondering if some questions are taboo or off limits. Here are some answers to eight of the most often-asked pandemic etiquette questions. You are always free to ask anyone you interact with about their vaccine status. Its all about how you ask. You might offer that youve been vaccinated, and youre doing your best to know if those around you are tooand if theyre comfortable sharing that information. Youll likely find the response is positive, and theyre happy to share. Avoid pressuring a person who is uncomfortable. And rest assured, if you are vaccinated, you are protected! With that said, check with your workplace, as some businesses have made a policy indicating the best reply is the company does not want us to say, or they have a firm policy in place that anyone returning to the workplace is required to be fully vaccinated. While most people are happy to say theyve been vaccinated, and do so freely, if youre not comfortable replying, simply say youre not comfortable. But if an individual needs to know for a medical reason, you should reconsider your response. For some people, especially friends and family, its a matter of personal comfort, and your positive response can go a long way to boosting that. It is definitely OK to ask the host of a party if all guests are vaccinatedbut be aware that they might not know. For your own comfort level, you might also want to ask how many total guests are attending, and whether the party is indoors or outdoors. That added information can help you make your own decision about attending. As long as youre both vaccinated, its a great idea to catch up on your hugs. And with hugging and accompanying hand holding, its still always a good idea to wash with soap and water when you can, or carry hand sanitizer along for a quick clean up. Its important to know the vaccine status of the adults at a home where your child is playingespecially if your child is younger than 12 and not eligible for a vaccine. As with any request about your childs well-being away from home, explain your concerns. Masks area not required in many places for those who are fully vaccinated, so you can feel secure about going mask-less. But many people feel mentally better wearing one while out in public. Thats a personal choice. But the rules are still in flux about masks requirements, so pay attention when you walk into a store or restaurant. Feel free to go mask-less, but if youre the type of person who feel awkward if they are the only one without a mask, stay in your comfort zone, and wear it for the time being. Pandemic or no, many people shy away from group appetizers like chips and dip because of the repeated dipping and hands in multiple bowls. You might not be a double dipper, but many people are. Bringing a shared plate that is in a single bowl with a serving spoon is the best idea. Feel free to bring chips (or veggies) and dip, and leave tongs and servings spoons along with small plates next to foodfor easier individual self-serving. In a wordno! Many people mistakenly think lack of information about the vaccine is the reason a person is not fully vaccinated at this point. This is almost never the case. If the conversation goes in that direction, consider changing the subject. Bottom line: when it comes to Covid-19 vaccine etiquette, its all about personal safety and requesting information in a polite and respectful way. Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D. is NBC News health editor. Follow her on twitter @drfernstrom.