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AUSTIN (Nexstar) – If you are planning to travel to family and friends for Thanksgiving, there are several factors you need to consider when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, such as gathering with are fully vaccinated.
Depending on which county you are in, Texas has drastically different transmission rates from county to county – with the red areas representing the counties with the highest COVID-19 transmission rate and the blue areas the lowest.
Source: CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker
Click here for an interactive version of the map showing the rates in each county.
There are a few reasons for this, according to infectious disease experts like Dr. Jan Patterson of the University of Texas Health San Antonio.
“If we look at these areas of moderate transmission versus high transmission on this map, we need to remember that these areas were hit hard by the delta rise,” said Patterson. “I think there is some herd immunity in these areas because they have been transmitted so heavily. While some of these other areas are experiencing what we did a few months ago. “
Compared to about 70% of the United States, where transmission is high, most of Texas appears safer to spread across the community.
Source: CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker
“Our state is huge, right. And so everything is not always on the same page as some others, ”said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, DSHS chief epidemiologist in Texas. “… many other states around the United States now have this big delta rise. But our entire state does not always have the same level of transmission. “
Both doctors claimed that the best way to protect yourself and your family before the vacation is through vaccinations. On Friday, an advisory panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its recommendations for booster syringes to include Moderna and Pfizer booster syringes for all adults.
“Following a critical scientific assessment, today’s unanimous decision has carefully considered the current state of the pandemic, the latest data on vaccine effectiveness over time, and a review of the safety data of those who have already received a COVID-19 primary and booster vaccination series considered. Booster vaccinations have shown that they can safely increase people’s protection from infection and serious consequences, and are an important public health tool to help strengthen our defenses against the virus when we go on winter vacation. Based on the compelling evidence, all adults over 18 should now have equal access to a COVID-19 booster dose. ”
CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH
“We know that after six months your immunity can wear off and that you really need this boost,” said Patterson. “So it’s really a good idea, especially before the upcoming Christmas break, if you haven’t received your booster dose, to get it.”
Patterson and Shuford join a resounding chorus of infectious disease experts worried about a further spike in COVID-19 cases after the holiday season.
“Hopefully, if you have family members at risk, they are vaccinated. If there are unvaccinated people in the family, try to keep these vulnerable family members safe. You know, it’s best to have things outdoors, ”Patterson said.
Patterson said it was safe for the vaccinated families to conduct Thanksgiving activities like “normal”.
“By bringing out vaccines and getting people to really take their vacation get-togethers seriously and making them a safe environment for the people who love them,” Shuford said.
Nationally, about 60% of Americans are fully vaccinated compared to about 54% of all Texans.
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