I would personally do this. My family and I are all vaxxed and boosted*, and I’m flying home for Christmas. Honestly, I’m basically doing anything I want at this point. I just wear a mask if it’s a public setting. I feel comfortable taking my mask off in a room with people who are vaccinated and don’t have any symptoms. Yes, breakthrough infections are possible, but vaccinated people are so much less likely to 1) contract covid and 2) spread it when they do. It’s a small enough risk I’m willing to take it.
I get that the equation is a little harder when there are small children involved who can’t be vaccinated yet. I’d still do it, though, and just add in the testing like you’re already planning to do. Idk how many other small kids are in the family, but if there are a lot too young to be vaccinated, I would try to ventilate as much as possible, though. Maybe hang out outside or at least open some windows, depending on the climate.
*My SIL is the exception to this, but she’s now in her 90-day post-covid immunity window. If she weren’t, I wouldn’t be spending any time with her unmasked (my parents are on the same page about this).
Has there been any updated science based guidance on which booster is recommended if shot number 1 and 2 were Moderna? My friend is getting boosted today at a place that will likely offer her a choice, was going to cross over to Pfizer hearing that might give her some added protection versus sticking with Moderna. She was asking if I am aware of any current research to help her decide.
Everything I’ve seen says “close enough it doesn’t matter.” I stuck with Moderna because it was the easiest to schedule, but was happy about it because it’s a higher dose (50 vs 30 ug), but that could end up not mattering
Official guidance I’m not sure, but from the various medscape articles I’ve gathered: mRNA is better than other options. Moderna is ideal if you’ve only had Pfizer. Otherwise I don’t think it matters as far as we know yet.
When I was worried about flying , my doctor told me that as a vaccinated person, my risk of death in a car crash (2000 miles driving) was much higher than my risk of dying of covid, and probably of even getting covid. I treat my unvaccinated small children as vaccinated adults, because their risk of severe covid has been shown to be about the same. (Taking my children to see my vaccinated parents actually put my parents at a greater risk than my children, according to my pediatrician)
Unless Omicron turns out to hit young kids much much harder than other variants, we’re going. I just don’t know if it’s a bad idea or not.
My husband pointed out last night that we live with an unvaccinated person who spends all of his day in a room of other unvaccinated people who put their hands on each other’s faces and lick things… so, what’s an airplane ride compared to that?
My FiL texted tonight asking if we would want to go to the symphony orchestra Christmas concert while we are up for a visit later this month. Husband and I are vaxxed and boosted, FiL and MiL are just vaxxed (no intention of getting booster. ). I take immunosuppressants.
The venue says everyone has to mask unless eating or drinking and you have to show either proof of vax or a negative COVID test within 72 hours.
As a theater person going back to in person work, I would feel comfortable (went to my first in person play last month).
If it helps, if it’s a union music hall/org, you can look up the union requirements for the performers. Many in person performance unions are requiring regular testing of their members, HVAC upgrades, etc.
I was talking to my cousin’s husband at Thanksgiving, he works at a major theater in Florida (yes Hamilton tours there, no he can’t get me discounted tickets cause he doesn’t even get discounted tickets - he gets discounts for every other show though). They are taking precautions VERY seriously - he must be masked at all times, he’s not even allowed back stage, I forget the rest because I haven’t have caffeine yet but I was impressed. He said they had to because these touring companies would lose major money if even one person caught Covid and the whole touring company would have to isolate for two weeks - that means missing the current city and also cancelling the next city/cities, that’s major money. If one venue is not taking it seriously then these touring companies might choose to go elsewhere next time they’re in the state. So it’s not just for the sake of their audiences but also to keep the performers safe and the money flowing. I appreciate doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, but that explanation definitely made my mercenary side feel better.
I was looking at a CDC map earlier this week and the reported rates of transmission were lower in FL than just about everywhere else in the country.
I make these decisions based on how much I want to do the activity. If I’m just meh on something, I tend to pass. If I really want to do something, either because of the activity or the people I’ll be with, I do it.
That’s because we had our Delta surge in August/September. Also our numbers are super unreliable due to the political machinations of our department of health and governor. County level deaths stopped being reported back in June which hides the fact that my county went from around 260 deaths to 580 in 6 months after vaccines were already out. Plus deaths are counted for the date of death, not the date of report which means we always look like we’re doing great due to the delay in reporting. You usually have to go at least 2 weeks back to accurately assess the number of deaths.
Anyway it’s all for naught, the event would be in South Carolina and we’re not going anyway because my SiL rightfully pointed out that there’s no way she’s bringing her 18 month old to a 2 hour concert that starts at 7:30 at night.
I hear you. I specifically referred to reported rates of transmission because Florida is one of the places I recall some shenanigans around Covid data.
Was checking today to see if Home Covid tests are eligible expenses for HSA and FSA accounts. They are, but so are hand sanitizer,disinfecting wipes, and masks. Public service announcement for anybody that might have some FSA money to use up at the end of the year.
). I take immunosuppressants.