ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As the delta variant continues to spread, so does the push for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Health professionals say vaccination provides the best chance at surviving the delta variant.

What You Need To Know

  • Doctors say vaccinated individuals should still get COVID tests

  • Tests can stop asymptomatic people from spreading virus

  • Doctors say COVID tests are recommend after being around large groups of people

But if you’re vaccinated, should you still be getting tested for COVID-19?

Since vaccinated people can still catch and spread the delta variant, Dr. Emil Lesho, an infectious disease specialist with Rochester Regional Health, says that getting a COVID test could protect those around you.

“If you live with vulnerable people who can’t get vaccinated, young children 12 and under, people with cancer, then yes, it’s a good idea to get tested,” said Lesho. 

Vaccinated or not, if you’re around a large group of people, Lesho recommends getting tested before returning to places like work or school.

“If you’re involved in exposure in a crowded indoor event, like a rock or country western concert, you should come back and get tested,” he explained. 

As the number of places in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s "substantial transmission" of COVID-19 category grow, Lesho asks that everybody does two things:

“The way to keep them safest is for us to wear masks and for as many of us as possible to get vaccinated.”