We are about to start the third winter in a pandemic and this time the celebrations will come with fewer restrictions. For this reason, the health authorities urge the community to take the first step to protect themselves: vaccinating themselves with the updated booster dose.
Now that face masks are no longer mandatory and protection from initial vaccines has decreased, the next step is clear.
“If you want to have protection against omicron variants, the vaccine is the best tool we have,” said pediatrician Marcial Oquendo.
Especially with celebrations and family reunions around the corner, health authorities need to be urgently updated with both adult and child doses.
“We have the new booster vaccine now available for children between the ages of 5 and 11, as long as the babies are two months past the starting dose,” said Patricia Serrato of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. .
In that county, only 11% of residents have worn the updated brace, and that doesn’t paint a good picture knowing that people will travel across the country and families will get back together.
“Most likely, we will see a rebound in respiratory infections, not just from COVID, but from all other infections this holiday and Thanksgiving, we will certainly see a very high number of respiratory infections in hospitals and nursing rooms. intensive, ”Oquendo said.
While a new wave of infections is very likely, there are things to keep in mind to take care of your health and that of your family.
Doctors recommend making the booster for Halloween so that you have protection during Thanksgiving.
Keep in mind that if you are infected with COVID-19, the updated booster dose can be given three months after infection.
“If you’re sick, stay home,” Oquendo said. “You had COVID five days ago, wear the mask for the next five days when you get back to work or see people,” Oquendo said.
Plan your family reunion around your loved one who is most at risk of contagion
“I honestly think about myself and my family, my children and my husband are already vaccinated, thank God,” said Angela Godoy of San José.
And look for the booster dose with your primary care physician or county health authorities.
“If another vaccine comes along, I’ll take it,” Godoy said.
