Subscribe today for more stories, tips, and updates.

Cincinnati Children's Blog
  • Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • ?
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • ?
  • Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
HOME/Healthy Living/Holiday Gatherings And Travel During COVID-19: Is It Safe Yet?

Holiday Gatherings And Travel During COVID-19: Is It Safe Yet?

Holiday Gatherings And Travel During COVID-19: Is It Safe Yet?
November 11, 2021
0 Comments
By: Steve Davis, MD, MMM

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 and what to do about large gatherings will be a discussion for families as we get ready for the holiday season. The good news this year, as compared to last, is we have a vaccine that helps protect against the severe illness that can come from COVID-19.

It would be ideal if everyone coming to your holiday party was vaccinated, but that may not be the case for a variety of reasons.

Even with the recent announcement that kids ages 5 to 11 are eligible to be vaccinated, they will likely not be fully vaccinated by Thanksgiving. The good news is if kids do have their first dose prior to Thanksgiving, they will have a decent level of protection. But the youngest children are still not eligible for a vaccine, and others have either chosen not to or are unable to receive the vaccine (due to certain health conditions).

Those factors mean you will still have to decide what works best for your family this holiday season. To keep you and your family as safe as possible this year, below is my advice for holiday gatherings and travel based on our knowledge of the safety of the COVID vaccine and the rate of illness in our community currently.

What Is The Best Way To Protect My Family During Holiday Gatherings?

The best way to make sure your holiday season is safe is for those who are eligible in your family to be vaccinated. Every person who is vaccinated at a holiday party is not only protecting themselves, but also those who are not yet vaccinated.

It’s important to remember there are still many people who are unvaccinated. About 65% of people in the U.S. ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But vaccination rates are lowest nationally among those ages 12-17.

Is It Safe To Travel?

If you and your loved ones are fully vaccinated, I see no issue traveling within the United States. For international travel, I recommend checking the COVID situation at your destination, as well as the travel requirements there.

The CDC recommends those who are not vaccinated delay any travel until they are fully vaccinated.

Is It OK To Get Together With People Who Are Unvaccinated?

In this case, it’s important to remember that those who are unvaccinated have a much higher risk of carrying and passing along the coronavirus to others. Also remember the virus has been shown to spread easily in groups, especially indoors. If you decide to host a gathering for the holidays this year, I recommend asking anyone who is not vaccinated to wear a mask, especially when indoors. This helps protect both them and you.

Even though we still have a lot to consider when it comes to large gatherings, this year’s holiday season should be easier to navigate than what we dealt with last year. Hopefully you and your family take the advice of medical professionals around the world and get vaccinated to ensure things are even better in 2022!

Keep in mind that keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Whether you’re hosting a get together or traveling this holiday season, make sure everyone in your family continues good handwashing practices.

For more answers to questions about COVID-19 and the vaccine visit our vaccine resource website.

Subscribe today for more stories, tips, and updates.

Related Articles

How to Help Children Learn Habits of Gratitude
How to Help Children Learn Habits of Gratitude
Can Kids Get the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines at the Same Time?
Can Kids Get the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines at the Same Time?
Don’t Believe the Hype: COVID-19 Boosters Work and Here’s Why
Don’t Believe the Hype: COVID-19 Boosters Work and Here’s Why
Eating Disorders and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Eating Disorders and the COVID-19 Pandemic
TAGS:
  • Christmas
  • COVID-19
  • Home
  • Thanksgiving
Avatar photo

About the author: Steve Davis, MD, MMM

Steve Davis, MD, MMM is Cincinnati Children's President and Chief Executive Officer. His clinical background of pediatric critical care medicine, and the hospital's mission to be the leader in improving child health, inform his work. Dr. Davis also serves as the co-chair for the Region 6 COVID-19 Hospital Steering Committee and is co-chair of the Hamilton County Test and Protect COVID-19 Project.

Write A Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments Yet

Topics

  • Cancer and Blood Diseases
  • Child Development and Behavior
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Chronic Care Networks
  • Cincinnati Walks for Kids
  • Featured Faces
  • Fetal Conditions
  • Fitness and Nutrition
  • Food Allergies
  • Ghana 2012
  • Health Care Public Policy
  • Health Care Quality
  • Health Care Reform
  • Healthy Living
  • Heart Conditions
  • Hospital Operations
  • How We Do It
  • Learning and Growing
  • Meet The Team
  • Nurses Week 2012
  • Patient Family Experience
  • Patient Flow
  • Patient Safety
  • Patient Stories
  • Pin of the Week
  • Radiology
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Research
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Share Your Story
  • Technology
  • Uncategorized
  • Vaccines
  • Volunteerism
  • What Makes Us Different
  • What's New
See All Topics
See Less Topics

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Sign up to get new blog updates delivered to your email.

Popular Posts

  • 6 Questions to Ask When Your Child Complains of Chest Pain 2.1k views
  • Caring for the Caregivers of Children with Congenital Heart Disease  1.5k views
  • Stuttering In Young Kids: When To Be Concerned 887 views
  • 4 Questions to Ask When Your Child Has Recurrent Croup 723 views
  • Laryngomalacia: Is My Child’s Noisy Breathing Serious? 680 views
  • What’s the difference between a CAT-Scan and a CT-Scan? 570 views
About

The Cincinnati Children’s blog features thoughts and perspectives from our experts on all things pediatric health. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn More »

Contact Us
  • 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
  • 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462
  • TTY: 1-513-636-4900
  • socialmedia@cchmc.org
Connect With Us
  • Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us

© 2009-2022 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center