See CDC’s interim advice for safe clinic protocols

As safety restrictions continue to ease at varying rates around the country, the AVMA continues to work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide appropriate recommendations for veterinary practices.

The CDC is working to update its Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Veterinary Clinics Treating Companion Animals During the COVID-19 Response, and has provided advice to the AVMA while that work continues. Until the updated guidance is available, CDC advises the following:

“Veterinary clinics should follow masking guidance for the general public. While veterinarians are considered clinicians, the settings in which they work are not used to treat humans with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, and instances of animal-to-human transmission appear to be very rare. Veterinary clinics should consider local transmission and vaccination rates when creating clinic policies for PPE use and interactions with clients.”

Guidance that supports these recommendations is available from the CDC:

• When you've been fully vaccinated 
• Interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people
• Guidance for unvaccinated people: How to protect yourself and others
• Guidance for unvaccinated people: Wearing masks
• Science brief: COVID-19 and vaccinations (background rationale)

Find additional safety and practice guidance in AVMA’s COVID-19 resource center, at avma.org/Coronavirus.