Vaccine Etiquette: How to Politely Ask Someone If They are Vaccinated

New information is emerging daily about the Delta variant. It is currently the predominant COVID strain in the US and more contagious than the previous variants. Additionally, COVID cases are on the rise among both the vaccinated and unvaccinated, with the unvaccinated continuing to get very ill or worse. Because of this, it’s not unreasonable to want to know your risk factors. I am often asked, “Is it okay to ask someone if they have been vaccinated?” When your main concern is your health, or the health of a loved one, you can politely and respectfully ask someone if they are vaccinated. Here are my vaccine etiquette recommendations when asking someone about their vaccination status.

Offer Your Vaccination Status First

If you are vaccinated, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable for you to offer the information. For example, if you enter an elevator at the office, and you notice a hesitant look on another rider’s face, cheerfully say, “Good morning, I am vaccinated.” At a different time, this type of greeting would be inappropriate, not to mention socially awkward. However, an etiquette rule that has not changed, and the primary goal when interacting with others, is to make them feel comfortable. You will find people usually appreciate a gesture of support. If they aren’t vaccinated, don’t be surprised if they don’t respond in kind.

Inquire With an Attitude of Kindness

Grilling someone for information is different than pleasantly asking your hairstylist if they have received the vaccine. You may not like what you hear, and you have the choice to adjust your routine until the pandemic is over. Berating them privately—or in public—is not proper vaccine etiquette and is never a good idea. You can respectfully voice your opinion or concern. However, don’t expect someone to change their mind based on your personal opinion, even if it is sound with information to back it up. Trust that it is not the first time they are having this conversation, and they are quite good at the debate.

Understand You Are Under No Obligation to Invite or Attend a Function

Some of your family or friends may not have received the vaccine. If you are uncomfortable being around them, don’t feel obligated to invite them to an indoor family dinner. If you can’t organize a function with adequate social distance, let them know you love them but are being cautious. Everyone has boundaries, and you must compassionately but firmly set yours. Let your loved ones know you realize it’s a difficult situation. Nevertheless, you have decided to do what you feel is best for yourself and your family.

If someone invites you to their home, you can respond with, “Thanks so much for the invitation. It sounds like a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I have an underlying health issue, and my father-in-law is immunocompromised, so we are taking every necessary precaution. Is your household vaccinated?” Yes, this feels awkward. However, it is less difficult than sitting at a dinner table or in a large crowd worrying about it all night.

Be Considerate of Another Person’s Comfort Level

This is a “we” situation, not an “I” situation. Therefore, take the extra step to mask up in tight quarters. Even when vaccinated, you are still at risk. Remember to wear a mask when you’re on the elevator, at the grocery store or walking through a restaurant. Taking precautions is a visible gesture of goodwill towards individuals you come into contact with, as well as your friends and your community. While it may be uncomfortable at first, following proper vaccine etiquette will help you navigate these conversations and situations with grace and compassion. 

For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Refreshed Dining Etiquette Tips Post Covid. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.