As of June 14, 2021, more than 64 percent of Americans had received at least their first vaccination against COVID-19. Many mySMAteam 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 am fully vaccinated! So happy to be able to return to some normalcy!” one member wrote.

Fun With Friends and Family

Many mySMAteam members are excited to enjoy activities with friends and family again. “I have my granddaughter for a week,” one member wrote. “I love it when she is around.”

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

“I would love to be able to do aquatic therapy!” one member wrote. “But with this COVID stuff, it makes it difficult.”

Staying Cautious After Vaccination

Most mySMAteam 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 mySMAteam, the social network for people with spinal muscular atrophy and their loved ones, more than 1,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with SMA.

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.