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:
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.

Find Free High-Quality Masks

Updated Jan. 23, 2023

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Free N95^® respirators, a type of high-quality mask, may be available from the federal government through pharmacies, local health clinics, community support agencies, and organizations. Examples include area agencies on aging, centers for independent living, long-term care ombudsman programs, tribal nations, protection and advocacy systems, and developmental disabilities councils.

Use the links below to check locations for available N95 respirators:

Local health clinics
- Local health centers
- Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program medical providers
The Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) disability and aging networks. For detailed information on ACL’s programs, and to find a local program please check this fact sheet.
Local health departments. Visit CDC’s Public Health Gateway to search local senior health officials, state, local, and territorial health departments, and tribes and Indian organizations.

For information about how to use your N95 respirator correctly, see How to Use Your N95 Respirator.

Pharmacy partners and community organizations can learn more about how to distribute or receive masks here.

Find specific manufacturer’s instructions for your N95 respirator model below.

MODEL

3M Model 8210+

NIOSH APPROVAL

TC-84A-0007

General and Occupational/Workplace 8210, 8110S, 8210Plus N95 Particulate Respirator User Instructions (3m.com)

MODEL

3M Model 8110S

NIOSH APPROVAL

TC-84A-0007

General and Occupational/Workplace 8210, 8110S, 8210Plus N95 Particulate Respirator User Instructions (3m.com)

MODEL

3M Model 9205+

NIOSH APPROVAL

TC-84A-8590

and

MODEL

3M Model 9210+

NIOSH APPROVAL

TC-84A-5668

General and Occupational/Workplace 9205+ and 9210+ N95 Particulate Respirator User Instructions (3m.com)

If you wear an N95 with an exhalation valve, you will be protected from others who may have COVID-19. If you have COVID-19, an N95 will protect others from you; however, an N95 with a valve may not protect others as well as an N95 without a valve. To make the 3M Model 8511 as protective as an N95 without a valve, 3M Multi-Use Duct Tape can be used to cover the valve in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.