Here Is the Longest Time You Can Wait and Still Get a “full Vaccination” for the Holidays.
The CDC director recently brought up a math equation in a press conference that many parents have been mentally discussing since vaccines for children ages 5-11 became available : regardless of your age, if you want To get a full vaccination by Christmas, Saturday 20 November is your last chance to start the Pfizer vaccine series.
If you are over 18, you have more time to procrastinate: The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a one-shot vaccine, so you can get it on December 11 and still have time for a “full vaccine” in two weeks.
The ship sailed to Moderna if your goal is Christmas: it takes four weeks between shots, not three. However, if you start the Moderna course now, you will be fully protected until the new year begins.
Who needs to get vaccinated before a family holiday?
If you are planning a meeting with several family members, now is a good time to learn about protecting everyone from vaccinations. A few things to remember:
- A single dose of a two-dose vaccine will likely give you more protection than if you weren’t vaccinated at all, but getting the full series is ideal.
- If you have received the J&J vaccine, regardless of your age or risk group, you should get a booster shot if at least two months have passed since your first vaccination.
- If, for any reason, you have a weakened immune system, you should receive a third dose (if you have had the two-dose vaccine) four weeks after the second dose.
- If you have received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), revaccination is recommended after six months if you are over 65 or have other risk factors. ( We have a breakdown of the guidelines here .)
Only children under the age of 5 are not included in this plan, so if you have children at home it makes sense to take extra precautions. Getting everyone around you vaccinated will be of great help. Also, check out the CDC’s guidelines for staying safe during the holidays .