As of June 14, 2021, more than 64 percent of Americans had received at least their first vaccination against COVID-19. Members of myHSteam 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 having a good day, HS-wise. Just got my Moderna vaccine done yesterday,” said one member. “My arm is a bit sore. But other than that, I am fine.”

Another member said, “I got my first Pfizer vaccine yesterday — same thing: sore arm overnight, no other side effects, and the pain was gone this morning.”

Fun With Friends and Family

Many myHSteam members are excited for fun activities with friends and family again. Others are reveling in a return to normal social plans. “Feeling very relaxed currently!” shared one member. “Cooked for my neighbor and a few friends, which is something I do from time to time. Hope everyone has a great Sunday!”

“Today was a good day, I’m feeling like I matter,” wrote another member. “I went out with my mom [and] got her a gift for her anniversary.”

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. “I had to go without meds for a week because of the pandemic,” one myHSteam member wrote.

After myHSteam members get vaccinated, many are taking the earliest opportunity to schedule doctor visits, eye appointments, dental exams, and personal care visits.

Looking Forward To Travel

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

“I have been planning a vacation with my daughters for a month now, and I've been super excited,” one myHSteam member wrote.

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 myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, more than 20,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HS.

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.