As of June 14, 2021, more than 64 percent of Americans had received at least their first vaccination against COVID-19. MyOvarianCancerTeam 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 so happy spring is finally here! I have gotten both of my COVID-19 shots, and am ready to go!” wrote one member.

“I bounced back [from vaccination], and aside from my baseline fatigue, I have enjoyed a week of sunshine,” shared another member about post-vaccine life.

Fun With Friends and Family

Many MyOvarianCancerTeam members are excited for fun activities with friends and family again. Others are reveling in a return to normal social plans.

“Just got back from getting my [second] vaccine dose, and my husband gets his tomorrow,” wrote one member. “Two weeks from now, I’ll be able to go home and see my family (mom and sister are vaccinated, too) for the first time in almost a year.”

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

“Off to get my bloodwork done,” said one member. After their appointment, they shared, “Got my CA-125 results … it did go back down after the spike from the vaccine! Praise God, I’m still on the right track!”

Looking Forward To Travel

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

“I am hoping to go to Upper Michigan to visit my sister,” shared one member. “I have lots of travel plans for the summer,” another member wrote.

Staying Cautious After Vaccination

Members report that they’re continuing to be cautious when socializing. “Still going to wear my mask,” wrote one member. “Happy to keep wearing it in stores … makes me feel safer.”

“I will continue to wear my mask even though I was vaccinated also,” added another member. “Can’t be too safe. I also don't go out much shopping, only to [the] grocery store. I want to be as safe as possible.”

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

MyOvarianCancerTeam is the social network for people with ovarian cancer and their loved ones. On MyOvarianCancerTeam, more than 1,500 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with ovarian 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.