COVID-19 Update: Boosters, Holiday Travel Safety and More
December 14, 2021As your valued health plan partner, we care deeply about the well-being of you and your employees. Here’s some of the latest information about COVID-19 boosters, travel safety and staying healthy this holiday season.
Boosters Now Available for Everyone 16 and Older
The CDC recently announced that all adults age 18 and older can now get a booster shot. Here’s what you need to know if you’re 18 or older:
- You can get a booster no matter what brand of vaccine you got originally – Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen).
- Your booster does not have to be the same brand as your original vaccine. The CDC lets you choose which brand you want as a booster, and it doesn’t have to be the same brand you got for the first shot(s).
- If your original shots were Pfizer or Moderna, you’re able to get your booster once it’s been six months (or more) since your original shots.
- If your original vaccine was Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), you’re able to get your booster once it’s been two months (or more) since your original shot.
In addition, the CDC also announced that everyone who’s 16 or 17 years old can now get the Pfizer booster shot once it’s been six months (or more) since their original shots.
For much more information about boosters, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit this CDC webpage. And visit vaccines.gov to find a booster shot near you.
Travel Safety
If you’re traveling for the holidays, make sure you first visit this CDC website. It has all the information you need to know to travel both within America and internationally. On the site you’ll find this and more:
- How to travel safely during the ongoing pandemic.
- Details about mask, vaccine, testing and other requirements you might need to follow.
- What to do before, during and after your trip.
- Answers to the most common questions people have about traveling during the pandemic.
- When you should not
Cold and Flu Prevention
Avoiding colds and the flu this winter won’t only help you – it’ll also help the healthcare system better care for those who have COVID-19. Check out these CDC webpages for ways to protect yourself against colds and the flu. Among other steps: wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and stay away from people who are sick. And get your yearly flu vaccine. The CDC recommends this for everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.
Thank you for taking care of your health and the health of your employees. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we’re honored to be your trusted health plan partner. As always, if you have any questions, give us a call at the number on the back of your health plan ID card, and visit our webpage for more information about COVID-19. We wish you a happy and healthy New Year ahead.
If you have any questions, you can contact us directly at ClientSupport@HealthAlliance.org or by calling (217) 902-8151. We’re committed to keeping you and your employees healthy and informed.