Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination.
Learn more
Find the latest information:
Aquatics FAQs
Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
COVID-19 Homepage
Aquatics FAQs
Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
COVID-19 Homepage
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.
N95 and Other Respirators
N95 and Other Respirators
N95 Respirators

Optimize N95 Respirator Supplies
Learn strategies to optimize supplies of N95 respirators when supply is limited.
Optimize N95 Respirator SuppliesPowered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)

A PAPR is an air-purifying respirator that can be used to protect healthcare personnel (HCP) who may be exposed to aerosolized pathogens causing acute respiratory infections.
Learn strategies to optimize supplies of PAPRs when supply is limited.
Optimize PAPR SuppliesElastomeric Respirators

Reusable elastomeric respirators can be considered as an alternative for augmenting the total supply of respirators available for use by HCP.
Learn strategies to optimize supplies of elastomeric respirators when supply is limited.
Optimize Elastomeric Respirator SuppliesMore Information
- NIOSH Hospital Respiratory Protection Program Toolkit
- NIOSH Healthcare Respiratory Protection Resources
- International Respirator Assessment Request
- International Assessment Results
- Counterfeit Respirators/Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval
- Factors to Consider when Planning to Purchase Respirators from Another Country, Including KN95 Respirators from China, Webinar
NIOSH Science Blogs
- Heat Stress Imposed by PPE Worn in Hot and Humid Environments
- Skin Irritation from Prolonged Use of Tight-Fitting Respirators
- Considerations for Covering N95s to Extend Use
- The Physiological Burden of Prolonged PPE Use on Healthcare Workers during Long Shifts
- Understanding the Use of Imported Non-NIOSH-Approved Respirators
- Scientific studies have shown properly-fitted and worn N95 respirators provide greater protection than surgical masks
- Proper N95 Respirator Use for Respiratory Protection Preparedness
- The Need for Fit Testing During Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks