Sun’s Out, Masks On!

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Here we go again! The sun is shining, the days are getting longer, and it’s time to… keep wearing our face masks!

It’s been a very, very long year, and I’d love to have a “normal” spring and summer as much as anyone, but the COVID-19 pandemic still is not over. According to the CDC, new COVID-19 cases have been consistently increasing over the last few days, for the first time since January. Although we’ve been making remarkable progress with COVID-19 vaccination, as of this writing less than 1 in 6 of the U.S. population (16%) is fully vaccinated. Experts predict that at least 70% of the population will need to be immune to COVID-19 to achieve “herd immunity”, but we are still nowhere near that threshold.

I still feel confident that we will get there, but please don’t jump the gun before we do. Don’t forget that despite predictions that the virus would go away in warm weather, the second U.S. wave of COVID-19 peaked last summer. Please, don’t contribute to a fourth wave. Keep wearing your masks, keep social distancing, and get your COVID-19 vaccine when you’re eligible. It’s up to every one of us to fight this pandemic together. Don’t be the weak link that breaks our chain of protection.

Making Spring Break Plans? Keep it Low-Key this Year

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COVID-19 cases are on the decline worldwide and in the U.S., and the CDC recently recommended that fully vaccinated people may spend time with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask, and may refrain from quarantine under certain circumstances. Many of us are finally starting to feel like the end of the pandemic may be in sight – just in time for Spring Break! If you’re making Spring Break plans, then read on for my thoughts on how to keep it safe.

Which COVID-19 Vaccine is Right For You?

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And welcome back! It’s been (checks blog) three months since my last post! Wow! I have no real excuses other than being busy. But, this past week brought some great news for public health that I just had to post about: a third COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for emergency use in the United States!

According to the CDC, over 59 million Americans – nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults – have gotten at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 30 million have gotten 2 doses. That is amazing progress for vaccines that weren’t even available 3 months ago! Still, if you’re one of the majority who haven’t yet started the COVID-19 vaccine, you may be wondering which one is best for you, especially now that there’s another option available.

First and foremost, I stand by my earlier recommendation to get whatever COVID-19 vaccine your doctor, employer, clinic, or pharmacy has in stock. The best COVID-19 vaccine for you is whatever vaccine you can most easily get. But if you’re in the enviable position of being able to choose between more than 1 vaccine, then read on for my thoughts.

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