As of June 10, more than 63 percent of Americans had received at least their first vaccination against COVID-19. MyBCTeam 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.

“I had my second vaccine on Friday and it felt great,” wrote one member. Another said, “Thanks for the hug — never can have enough, especially now that I'm vaccinated.”

Fun With Friends and Family

Many MyBCTeam members are excited for fun activities with friends and family again. “Had a lovely Mother's Day, and I hope everyone on this site did as well,” one member wrote. “Rainy yesterday, but since we are all vaccinated, I got hugs from all — just lovely.”

Others are reveling in a return to normal social plans. “Great three-mile walk. About to visit my 95-year-old mom since we are all vaccinated!” shared another member.

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 MyBCTeam members get vaccinated, many are taking the earliest opportunity to schedule medical visits, eye appointments, dental exams, and diagnostic tests needed for breast cancer monitoring.

“Blood test results show my immune system is back to normal eight months since my last round of chemo! That, plus being fully vaccinated, has me feeling more health-assured,” wrote one member.

Looking Forward To Travel

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

“I'm so looking forward to a long weekend trip to Pompano Beach, Florida, next month and another long weekend trip to Nashville in June,” said one member. “No pain plus being fully vaccinated means time to 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

MyBCTeam is the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. On MyBCTeam, more than 53,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with breast cancer.

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.