US travel restrictions lifted, BUT...

[MeridasMum]

With news that the US is easing international travel restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated, I’m struggling to find a response to my question and wonder if anyone knows more than I do…

Based on the understanding that fully vaccinated means double-vaccinated, what about kids who are not (currently) being vaccinated and teens who are only being offered one vax in the UK?

Any knowledgeable MNers about? Thanks

I don't think they've announced it yet, but it's looking like they won't be allowed it.

I don't know why we're bothering with one dose of vaccine for the kids anyway!

Personally with kids only getting one dose I can see us locked out of several countries in the near future

Given the US have been vaccinating their 12+ for a while now, I suspect single dose will not be sufficient for 12+ entry into the US (and probably several other places)

Several countries only give one dose to all who have positive test in the last six months (adults and children).

I’ve been hearing the opposite, that it’s looking probable that under 18s will be allowed to enter unvaccinated but may have a different testing or quarantine protocol.

@underneaththeash where are you seeing that it’s looking unlikely. This is a big deal to us!

@underneaththeash

I don't think they've announced it yet, but it's looking like they won't be allowed it.

I don't know why we're bothering with one dose of vaccine for the kids anyway!

Because it gives decent protection from severe disease but reduces the risk of side effects such as myocarditis. It also allows longer immunity from natural infection and for the disease to become totally endemic without having to sacrifice children by way of death of serious disease. Children usually have mild disease anyway and with this one dose the chance of severe disease is minimal (adults would still have an unacceptable level of serious disease with one dose)
That’s the way I understand it anyway

Simon Calder, the travel journalist, does a daily podcast on "The Independent" website. He said yesterday that there was no clarity on this issue yet, and he was following it up and would report when he got an answer.

They deliberately use “fully” not “double” to take into account different vaccination regimes. If the country’s health authorities determine that one jab is enough then the person can be said to be “fully” vaccinated. Remember J&J vaccines are only one dose in any event. The full details are yet to be ironed out - hence not till November- but there is an important distinction in the word “fully”

@TinaYouFatLard - I’ll find it
@Mrbob it does reduce very small risk of myocarditis, but the BMJ study showed that it’s pretty ineffective against delta. One dose only tends to produce less long lasting antibodies too IgM vs IgG. So unless they’ve already had COVID the protection won’t last long (although May get through the winter).
Just seems a bit pointless to me - the cornerstone of a vaccine programme is that it needs to be effective and one dose of Pfizer isn’t!
Plus - you can’t travel anywhere.

I’ve found a couple of news articles, but they won’t let me link as I subscribe. But it’s based on the CDC recommendations to American travellers.
‘The CDC recommends delaying travel plans until you get fully vaccinated’
Although at the original briefing it did mention adults.

I personally think it will apply to over 12s - but who knows? We’ve family in the states, one of whom isn’t that well and we’d love to visit, but I think it’s looking like next year now.

I won’t be visiting if they are discriminating against non vaccinated people. Even though I am vaccinated. Biden is proving to be much worst than Trump.

It is ok for us in Europe who are spoilt for choice but what about people in countries who can’t get vaccinated or can’t get Pfizer, J&J, or A&Z.?

@underneaththeash thanks. Simon Calder did mention that Jen Psaki stated in the presser that fully vaccinated adults would be able to travel, so he surmised that might imply a different rule for children (clinging on to hope!).

[quote underneaththeash]@TinaYouFatLard - I’ll find it
@Mrbob it does reduce very small risk of myocarditis, but the BMJ study showed that it’s pretty ineffective against delta. One dose only tends to produce less long lasting antibodies too IgM vs IgG. So unless they’ve already had COVID the protection won’t last long (although May get through the winter).
Just seems a bit pointless to me - the cornerstone of a vaccine programme is that it needs to be effective and one dose of Pfizer isn’t!
Plus - you can’t travel anywhere.[/quote]
Interesting thank you

I'm due to pay my full balance for my US holiday in three weeks. I have a 13 year old and getting really stressed that there doesn't seem to be an information for children yet

@Islamorada

I won’t be visiting if they are discriminating against non vaccinated people. Even though I am vaccinated. Biden is proving to be much worst than Trump.

It is ok for us in Europe who are spoilt for choice but what about people in countries who can’t get vaccinated or can’t get Pfizer, J&J, or A&Z.?

Aren’t most countries discriminating on the basis of vaccinations?

Thanks all for your input. It's a waiting game I think...