So we’re back to that time of year again, where the holidays are just around the corner and the pandemic is still in our midst. While the situation is not as grave as last year, when in-person family gatherings were highly discouraged, we’re not quite out of the woods yet. Even if you’re fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot (whether you can, and for which booster you’re eligible, is still an evolving story), those of us over 65 or who are afflicted with an immune-suppressing illness may still be at risk for COVID infection and serious illness. As the recent death of Colin Powell reminds us (he was fully vaccinated but suffered from immune-suppressing cancer), COVID remains a serious threat to older individuals. And as the CDC has reminded us, those who are 80 and older, even if vaccinated, are at higher risk of dying from the coronavirus than anyone under 50 — vaccinated or not. 

So at a minimum, if you fall into a still vulnerable category, you are best off limiting your exposure to unvaccinated individuals, wearing a mask inside, especially if you will be in communities with high transmission rates (check here how your community trends), continuing to social distance and hand wash whenever you can, and to the extent possible, keep the gatherings outside. Of course, recognizing the harm of social isolation and the strong pull to get together, the CDC does not suggest you stay home alone, only that you come together in as safe a manner as possible. Certainly, all who are eligible should be vaccinated and get boosters, and if in doubt, or if you have symptoms, stay home and get tested (perhaps even have on hand some of the home-testing rapid tests). Of course, COVID is a moving target and we never know for sure what the next twist or turn may be (so layers of protection may be important depending upon who attends your family gathering). In the next few weeks, you need to keep abreast of updates and evolving guidance and recognize that despite vaccinations and boosters, members of your family may still be vulnerable to infection.

But then, of course, there are the logistical headaches of the actual travel. Airports are likely to be crowded and backed-up (warnings of fewer TSA agents due to lack of vaccination are already forthcoming) and examining current reservations, there seems to be a significant uptick in the number of people who will be flying domestically and internationally, which likely means bigger crowds in airports, more flight delays and cancellations, and fewer available hotel rooms or home rentals.

Experts advise that your vaccine record card is now your new passport, so always have it with you. And if you’re traveling far and at great expense, you’re advised to consider travel insurance that covers COVID situations (check here for agebuzz travel blogger Andrea Schubiner’s advice on that). The holiday season itself is defined as travel between Nov. 12- January 7th, and if at all possible, you’re advised to avoid travel on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, November 28th. Finally, if your upcoming holiday plans include some holiday shopping, experts suggest you should have started shopping yesterday, and you need to brace yourself for the upcoming supply chain problems, staff shortages, and fewer available sales. To understand the misery to come, put on your protective armor and click here.