The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching! With this comes the joy of annual holiday traditions, including traveling and spending time with loved ones. With so much to look forward to, it’s important to prepare now to protect your health and the health of your loved ones this holiday season.
Why is getting vaccinated now important?
Many viruses, like flu and COVID-19, spread when we are in close quarters with each other, as we are when we gather with family for the holidays. Vaccination can help protect us and our loved ones. Because immunity can take a few weeks to develop after vaccination, it’s critically important to plan ahead and get vaccinated well before the holiday season. Certain activities that we engage in during the holiday season may put us at increased risk for contracting infectious diseases—this includes traveling, and gathering in-person with family, friends, and loved ones. Because of this, we are at increased risk of both getting sick ourselves and passing diseases along to more vulnerable members of our families and communities.
The risk of contracting infectious diseases in contained travel vehicles, such as buses, trains, and planes, can be higher due to the higher concentration of people in a single area for a prolonged period of time. Traveling home or to new locations with family can expose us to a variety of infectious diseases that may then prohibit us from enjoying our vacations or time at home.
We may be preparing to see at-risk or vulnerable family members, including elderly grandparents, small children, expecting mothers, or other immunocompromised individuals. These individuals will benefit directly from others being vaccinated, as we will be less likely to pass diseases to them that could pose greater threats to their health.
In general, family gatherings during the winter time are marked by a lot of time spent inside, with more people than usual! Take steps now to protect others and stay protected yourself.
How can we discuss vaccines at the holiday table?
The holidays may present an opportunity to talk with family members about the importance of getting vaccinated. While these conversations can sometimes feel intimidating, it can be a great opportunity to dispel myths in a relaxed and safe environment. Be sure to check out our previous blog for some of our tips and best practices on how to navigate these important conversations!
We can do so much good for our families and our communities just through the simple act of getting vaccinated early. Be sure to get your seasonal vaccines now so that you can enjoy a wonderful and healthy holiday season this year!
