Editor's note: This commentary has been updated with the current COVID-19 vaccination protocol as issued by CDC.
What a difference a year makes.
One year ago, many large holiday gatherings were canceled due to rising COVID-19 cases. Now, while case numbers are still higher than we’d like, they are declining, as are hospitalizations and deaths, and we have three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available. As of Nov. 14, more than 81% of the state’s population age 12 and older had received at least one dose of the vaccine (70% are fully vaccinated).
With restrictions eased, we fully expect friends and families who have been apart for a year or longer to want to be together again to celebrate. It’s important to remember that the virus has not gone away completely, and with a large portion of the under-12 population not yet vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance for having the safest holiday possible.
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) recommends COVID-19 vaccination for eligible individuals because it is our best solution to end the pandemic. Vaccination continues to drive down case rates and protects vulnerable children, pregnant women, seniors and those with underlying health conditions that weaken their immune systems. Case rates and hospitalizations continue to be driven by the unvaccinated; as of Nov. 4, 76% of Delaware’s hospitalizations were among unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people.
Thankfully, Delaware’s 77,500 children ages 5-11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The pediatric vaccine, which is one-third of the adult dose, was approved by the both the Food and Drug Administration and CDC. During clinical trials nationwide involving more than 3,000 children ages 5-11, the pediatric vaccine was found to be more than 90% protective against developing symptomatic COVID-19. No severe vaccine-related side effects, such as myocarditis or severe allergic reactions, were identified. Side effects were found to be similar to, or fewer than, those experienced by adults and included sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chills and low-grade fevers lasting a day or two. Importantly, fully vaccinated children can avoid missing school when exposed to positive cases.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to first contact their child’s pediatrician to see if they are administering the vaccine. Pediatric vaccines can also be found at pharmacies, public health clinics, etc. Find vaccine locations for ages 5-11 at coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine-information-for-ages-5-11.
The CDC also recommends additional (third) doses and booster doses for certain populations. Immunocompromised people who received first and second doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should consider getting a third dose. Booster doses are recommended for individuals 18 and older at least six months after being fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna, or at least two months after being vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson. The three authorized vaccines can be administered to qualifying individuals as a booster in a "mix and match" approach to the vaccine originally received. Visit de.gov/boosters for more information about third and booster doses and visit de.gov/getmyvaccine for a list of all vaccine locations.
To stay safe during the holidays, CDC also recommends getting tested for COVID-19 before celebrating with a group of people from multiple households and different parts of the country. If you test positive, have symptoms or had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, do not host or attend a gathering. Instead, participate with a phone call or virtually. To say it simply, if you feel sick, stay home to protect your family and friends.
Masking is another proven way to stay safe. CDC guidelines call for those who are not fully vaccinated — except children younger than 2 — to wear well-fitting masks over their noses and mouths when in public indoor settings, especially in communities with medium to high transmission rates. (Find Delaware’s weekly positive cases by ZIP code at de.gov/healthycommunity.)
People who have health conditions or are taking medications that weaken their immune systems may not be fully protected, even if they are fully vaccinated and received an additional dose. They should continue to take all precautions, including wearing masks, until their health care provider advises otherwise.
With domestic and international travel restrictions significantly eased, we can expect more people to travel this year. Being fully vaccinated is the best form of protection for individuals, the whole family and fellow passengers. Everyone, even the fully vaccinated, are required to wear masks on public transportation and to follow international travel recommendations. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated and must travel should follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces and gather outdoors when possible. Getting together for a holiday walk, a flag football game or virtual cocktails can be fun alternatives to a sit-down meal.
The Public Health Communications Collaborative provides all these tips in a simple recipe card format that is available for downloading in flyer and social media forms: publichealthcollaborative.org/resources/toolkit-thanksgiving-2021-safety-tips.
By following CDC recommendations, we can enjoy safe get-togethers and travel, while protecting our health from preventable COVID-19 illness and hospitalization.
Dr. Karyl Rattay is the director of the nationally accredited Division of Public Health within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. As the state’s health officer, she leads nearly 1,000 employees who promote health, reduce health inequities and protect Delawareans from disease, environmental hazards and public health emergencies.
