The U.S. continues to see new cases of COVID-19 infection, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The No. 1 strategy to prevent infection of the virus from spreading is to get everybody vaccinated," says Dr. Raymund Razonable, an infectious diseases physician at Mayo Clinic. "When a person is vaccinated, the risk of that person getting COVID is remarkably reduced."
With so much to look forward to, it may be easy to cast aside the trauma we've all endured and the grieving process over the past 18 months. Some of us have put important plans on pause, suffered financial burdens, and lost loved ones during the pandemic. Additionally, many people are coming out of isolation and slowly adapting to being around groups again, even if they are spending time with family.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approved Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccinations for adults ― meaning anyone 18 and older ― at its meeting Friday, Nov. 19. This is in addition to groups previously approved for boosters, such as health care workers and those age 65 and older.
Those who are vaccinated for COVID-19 may be planning family gatherings, gift exchanges and big meals this year. After last year, a lot of people are feeling more pressure to make this holiday season even better for their loved ones. Do you have any tips for coping with the stress of it all?