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Friday

Friday

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm vaccinated. Can I give a hug — or a handshake — without risk?

To hug or not to hug? Experts say it depends on where you've been and your personal tolerance for risk. Malaka Gharib/ NPR hide caption

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Malaka Gharib/ NPR

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm vaccinated. Can I give a hug — or a handshake — without risk?

In the vaccine era, people are wondering if it's (relatively) safe to resume hugs, exchange handshakes, kiss on the cheek or air-kiss.

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm vaccinated. Can I give a hug — or a handshake — without risk?

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Coronavirus FAQ: I'm Vaccinated And Confused. Do I Need To Mask Up Or Not?
Malaka Gharib/NPR

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm Vaccinated And Confused. Do I Need To Mask Up Or Not?

A World Health Organization representative just advised wearing masks after vaccination. The CDC has a different perspective. We asked public health specialists to weigh in.

Coronavirus FAQ: I'm Vaccinated And Confused. Do I Need To Mask Up Or Not?

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Friday

Coronavirus FAQ: I've Been Vaccinated. Do I Need To Worry About Variants?

A sign urges people to get tested for a COVID-19 variant in Blackburn, England. The U.K. is experiencing a surge in the delta variant, which was first identified in India. Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus FAQ: I've Been Vaccinated. Do I Need To Worry About Variants?

Here's what we know about the effectiveness of vaccines for variants of concerns, notably the delta variant, first identified in India and now responsible for more than 20% of new U.S. cases.

Coronavirus FAQ: I've Been Vaccinated. Do I Need To Worry About Variants?

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Coronavirus FAQ: What Does It Mean If My Ears Ring Or Toes Hurt After A Vaccine?

Some readers wrote to NPR with concerns about a whole slate of unusual conditions they've been noticing in the aftermath of their own vaccines. Carmen Martínez Torrón/Getty Images hide caption

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Carmen Martínez Torrón/Getty Images

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Coronavirus FAQ: What Does It Mean If My Ears Ring Or Toes Hurt After A Vaccine?

There are some side effects that are pretty common: sore arm, headache, fatigue, fever. But people are saying they've got other unusual reactions. Is it the vaccine — or something else?

Friday

Coronavirus FAQ: You're Vaccinated. Cool! Now About Those 'Breakthrough' Infections...

You can do a lot of things with minimal risk after being vaccinated. Although our public health expert says that maybe it's not quite time for a rave or other tightly packed events. Above: Fans take photographs of Megan Thee Stallion at a London show in 2019. Ollie Millington/Getty Images hide caption

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Ollie Millington/Getty Images

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus FAQ: You're Vaccinated. Cool! Now About Those 'Breakthrough' Infections...

No vaccine is 100% effective. Though so-called "breakthrough" COVID cases are rare, the virus is circulating widely. What's a vaccinated person to do? And ... not do?

Friday

Coronavirus Vaccine FAQs: What's Up With Side Effects? Should You Still Double Mask?

The usual side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine can range from a sore arm to flu-like symptoms. Or, if you're lucky, you won't get any side effects at all. Michele Abercrombie/NPR hide caption

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Michele Abercrombie/NPR

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus Vaccine FAQs: What's Up With Side Effects? Should You Still Double Mask?

So, you've successfully scored a vaccine — or at least an appointment. Congrats! That's amazing news, seriously! Now what about those side effects? And do you have to keep up that double masking?

Friday

Friday

Coronavirus FAQ: To Travel Or Not To Travel? Plus, Tattoos And Vaccines Can Mix

The relatively empty flights of past months are filling up as more people get vaccinated — and make summer plans. Are there still risks to weigh? Michele Abercrombie/NPR hide caption

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Michele Abercrombie/NPR

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus FAQ: To Travel Or Not To Travel? Plus, Tattoos And Vaccines Can Mix

Airports are getting busier, but the CDC hasn't issued new guidelines for vaccinated folks. What's a wannabe traveler to do? And is it OK to get a vaccine if you just got tattooed? Or have no spleen?

Friday

Coronavirus FAQs: Does Smoking Blunt The Vaccine? What About Painkillers?

A reader wants to know about smoking's impact on the vaccine but didn't specify cigarettes, e-cigs ... or marijuana. So we'll discuss all three. Jordan Kirchner for NPR hide caption

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Jordan Kirchner for NPR

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus FAQs: Does Smoking Blunt The Vaccine? What About Painkillers?

A reader wants to know about smoking's impact on the vaccine but didn't specify cigarettes, e-cigs ... or marijuana. So we'll discuss all three. Also: A refresher in painkiller/vaccine interaction.