Thanksgiving 2023: Why Californians are Missing Updated COVID and Flu Vaccines

Thanksgiving 2024 and COVID-19: Current Overview

This Thanksgiving, the risk of COVID-19 at family gatherings is lower than in previous years. Millions of Californians are expected to travel for the holiday despite this.

Dr. John Swartzberg, a clinical professor at UC Berkeley, emphasizes that the current situation is quite favorable. COVID-19 levels are low across California and much of the United States. In Santa Clara County, wastewater testing shows minimal virus presence.

As of November 16, data from California’s public health department reveals that COVID-19, RSV, and flu rates are either low or rising selectively. Currently, COVID-19 test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths are low. This is a contrast to prior winters when COVID-19 typically surged before Thanksgiving.

While the threat of COVID-19 remains, its impact is diminished, with 1,691 deaths reported in California since June 30 of this year due to COVID-19, compared to 49 from influenza and 10 from RSV. Pediatric deaths from COVID-19 total three, with one from the flu since the start of the respiratory virus season.

Public health officials stress the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations. Though skepticism around the COVID-19 vaccine persists, vaccination rates have increased compared to last year. However, influenza vaccination rates remain significantly higher.

In Santa Clara County, 18% of eligible individuals have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine, while 30% have received a flu vaccine. Health officials are shifting their strategies to better engage the community in vaccination efforts, focusing on listening rather than just informing.

As families gather, awareness of symptoms and vaccination status is crucial to ensure a safe Thanksgiving celebration.