The holidays are an important time for families, and there are many things we all can do to make sure our family stays safe and healthy this holiday season.
The most important thing you can do to keep everyone safe is to make sure you and your family are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (those 5 years and older).
COVID-19 vaccines are now available to everyone 5 years and older. Anyone 18 years or older can also get a booster dose (as long as it has been at least 6 months since your last Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, or at least 2 months since your Johnson & Johnson vaccine).
Getting vaccinated is especially important to protect older and more vulnerable members of our families, and younger children who can’t get vaccinated yet.
Gathering Safely
Indoor, public places that are crowded put you at the highest risk for being exposed to COVID-19. If your celebrations or traditions take you to places like these, you should consider:
- Wearing a facemask that covers your nose and mouth if you are not fully vaccinated. You may want to wear a mask even if you’re vaccinated in these types of places where the virus is easily spread.
Get tested if you are sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19, you should not host or attend holiday gatherings.
If you will be with people you don’t live with who aren’t vaccinated, or are traveling from different parts of the US or from other countries, everyone may want to take extra precautions before getting together— to reduce the risk to everyone (like avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel or getting tested before traveling).
Traveling Safely
Visit our travel page before you travel during the holidays, so you can t decide what’s best for you and your family. The CDC recommends being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before traveling.
- If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.
- Choose safer travel options if you will be traveling in a group or family with unvaccinated people.
- Everyone is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations, even if you are fully vaccinated. Children younger than 2 years old should not wear a mask.
