Dallas Thanksgiving Marked by COVID-19, Doctors Advise Vaccine – Dallas Observer

Big families cramming into cramped kitchens. Worn-out revelers with weakened immune systems. Stressed travelers spreading germs as they fly to see their loved ones.

Its the perfect combo for catching pesky viruses amid the Thanksgiving holiday.

Since the pandemic arrived in the U.S., the coronavirus has rudely crashed countless seasonal gatherings. But, as Dallas Countys health department recently pointed out, there is a highly effective way to prevent such sickness: vaccines.

Dr. Philip Huang, director of the countys health department, told the Observer that an uptick in COVID-19 cases could potentially occur this holiday season.

Definitely everyone should get caught up on their vaccinations; that's the easiest thing and some of the most effective, he said. The vaccines work.

People who sign up for the COVID jab can still get a $25 Walmart gift card, he added.

The countys COVID-19 dashboard, updated on Nov. 10, shows a daily average count of 20 cases, down from the prior weeks daily average of 24. Texas health department noted in a report last week that 613,165 confirmed and probable COVID cases had been logged in the state thus far this year.

The vaccines work. Dr. Philip Huang

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 7 on Friday after two years of pushing by state GOP lawmakers. The legislation bans private businesses from imposing COVID vaccine requirements. Employers who discipline workers for rejecting the jab could be slapped with a $50,000 fine.

Healthcare facilities, including clinics and doctors offices, are not immune to the legislation, according to The Texas Tribune. But despite Republican lawmakers efforts, many public health experts continue to promote signing up for the shot as a means to protect oneself and the broader community.

Dr. Lucky Tran, a public health communicator and scientist who works at Columbia University, noted on social media that the sooner people get the updated COVID shot, the better.

Tran offered additional tips to reduce the risk of catching the virus over the holidays. Aside from getting the new vaccine, masks are advisable in public and while traveling. Its also a good idea to test for COVID ahead of get-togethers, and to congregate outside, use air purifiers or open the windows when you can, he posted.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is urging Americans to get vaccinated now against COVID-19, the flu and RSV. In a video posted to X on Thursday, she said that the latest COVID shot is updated to match the current version of the virus and its free.

Everyone 6 months of age and older is encouraged to get one, she said, emphasizing that the vaccine is safe and has been vetted by qualified experts.

"I know folks want to leave COVID in the rear-view mirror, but unfortunately it is still here, and is still causing folks to get very sick and even die," Cohen told CBS News.

This years Thanksgiving travel period is expected to be the liveliest that the U.S. has seen since before the pandemic, according to the American Automobile Association. In fact, AAA predicts that itll be the third-busiest Thanksgiving on the books since the organization started keeping track in 2000.

In addition to signing up for shots, Huang offered some advice for people looking to stay healthy this holiday:

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Dallas Thanksgiving Marked by COVID-19, Doctors Advise Vaccine - Dallas Observer