Sign up for insights into DHSS's COVID-19 response
Subscribe to DHSS Insights for behind-the-scenes news about Alaska’s COVID-19 response and other efforts to protect the health and well-being of Alaskans.
 Gathering Mindfully for the Holidays
The holiday season has begun. Plans are being made for holiday gatherings with family and friends both near and far. This pandemic has been long and some of us have been apart for too long. Here at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services we recognize that connection with others is vitally important for our well-being as we wish everyone a joyous and safe holiday season this year.
COVID cases, while declining overall in Alaska, are still high in many parts of the state. How can Alaskans balance the need to be with family and friends while minimizing risk?
Fortunately, celebrating this year is inherently safer because of the COVID-19 vaccine. Even if some people in your family or friends’ group are not vaccinated, the vaccine generally helps slow the spread of COVID-19 and is especially helpful at preventing severe illness, including hospitalization and death.
The best way to reduce risk to yourself and those you spend the holidays with is to get vaccinated against COVID-19:
Getting vaccinated will help protect you and your family, plus those who cannot be vaccinated, choose not to get vaccinated or those who have a higher risk of severe illness regardless of vaccination status.
If you’re already fully vaccinated and you’re 18 years or older, check to see if you’re due for a booster for added protection:
- If it’s been six months since your last Pfizer or Moderna dose, or two months since your Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’re eligible.
- Your booster can be the same vaccine type you originally received, or it can be a different type — it's your choice.
If you’re not yet vaccinated but would like to be before attending holiday get-togethers, keep in mind these tips and time frames:
- Protection from the vaccine begins building soon after your first dose; however, you are not considered fully-vaccinated until two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine or the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
- Some travel may require proof of full vaccination so be sure to check all requirements before making your travel plans.
- If you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you need to wait 21 days before getting your second dose of Pfizer and 28 days before your second dose of Moderna. That means it will take a minimum of 35 days after your first shot of Pfizer or 42 days for Moderna before you are fully vaccinated.
- If you are immunocompromised, and have not yet gotten your third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, please consider doing so before the holidays.
In addition to getting vaccinated, here are other ways to help make your gatherings as safe as possible:
- If your gatherings will include anyone who is at risk for severe disease or who has a weakened immune system, choosing to wear a mask or getting tested before the gathering will help keep them safer. You can also space people apart during meals when masks cannot be worn and make sure your gathering room is well ventilated.
- Don’t be the one to bring COVID-19 to the party: if you are sick, experiencing symptoms, or have been exposed, stay home. Ask someone who is attending the party to Zoom or Facetime with you so you can wish everyone a happy holiday.
Prepare ahead, just like you would for a trip:
- If you’ll be celebrating the holidays with people outside of your regular social group, you can keep everyone safe by limiting your contacts before the gathering: avoid crowded, indoor spaces for a few weeks before your event, wear a mask when out in public and consider getting tested before and after the party.
If you’ll be hosting a holiday party, think about having a smaller and more intimate gathering to avoid crowding in your home. Bonus: fewer dishes to clean!
Tips for travel:
Do your holiday traditions include traveling to spend time with family? If so, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The CDC still recommends that only fully-vaccinated individuals travel. If you are unvaccinated, please consider being tested before traveling, when you arrive at your destination and when you return home. Over the counter testing kits can be a helpful tool when traveling.
- Avoid crowded, indoor spaces for a few weeks before traveling.
- Remember that masks are required in airports and on planes for 2 years and older.
- Wash or sanitize your hands often.
Alaskans, what about a new outdoor holiday tradition?
Gather your friends or family, grab your headlamps and start with a moonlit hike or ski. Then gather around the fire pit or a patio heater for food and warm beverages. Think of all the “only-in-Alaska” possibilities: guests may spot a moose walking past or the aurora might be your late-night entertainment.
With a dose of mindfulness, your holidays can be enjoyable and safe this year.
 Resource Highlights
|
