As of June 14, 2021, more than 64 percent of Americans had received at least their first vaccination against COVID-19. Members of myMPNteam 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.

“I am glad I got the vaccine,” wrote one member. “Last Saturday, I attended my youngest granddaughter’s first birthday party … in a restaurant! I hugged all five of my grandkids.”

Fun With Friends and Family

Many myMPNteam members are excited for fun activities with friends and family again. “We have had both vaccinations for COVID-19 and plan to start limited travel,” said one member. “We are hanging in there and I am over-the-top excited to see our beautiful grandson! It is not the same to do daily FaceTimes. It helps, but holding and giving love in person is so valuable!”

Others are reveling in a return to normal social plans. “My daughter and son-in-law want to take me to a place to eat, where I have never been,” wrote another member. “Burgers and beer, it will be fun. Our oldest son and his wife are flying up from Florida to stay for a few days.”

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).”

Planning Medical Appointments and Travel

About half of American adults have delayed or skipped some aspect of medical or dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. As myMPNteam members get vaccinated, many are taking the earliest opportunity to schedule medical visits, eye appointments, dental exams, and diagnostic tests needed for MPN monitoring.

Plus, as travel restrictions lift and more people are vaccinated, some myMPNteam members are beginning to look forward to their first vacations in more than a year.

“I really need some beach time,” shared one member. Another wrote, “I look forward to summer — and possible travel.”

Staying Cautious After Vaccination

Members report that they’re continuing to be cautious when socializing.

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

On myMPNteam, the social network for people with myeloproliferative neoplasms and their loved ones, more than 1,300 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MPNs.

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.