Introduction

With the vaccination race in full swing, many individuals feel secure in their immunity against the novel coronavirus. However, planning a vacation with non-vaccinated family members poses a series of concerns, especially in regions where a significant number of the population has yet to get vaccinated. In this article, we will explore the risks, the comfort one might find, and the decisions to be made.

Risks Assessed: Vaccination and Contagion

When you are fully vaccinated, your immune system is equipped to combat the virus. According to peer-reviewed research, the CDC has relaxed its guidelines, allowing fully vaccinated individuals to engage in more relaxed activities, including vacations. However, having non-vaccinated relatives who are not immune can pose a potential risk.

The CDC estimates that fully vaccinated individuals have a much lower risk of carrying, transmitting, and even catching the virus. Assuming a community has 33,000 actual cases per day, and considering that people are contagious for about 10 days, the probability of a family member being contagious is quite low, approximately one in a hundred. Coupled with the 20-fold reduction in risk due to vaccines, the chance of you getting infected from your housemates would be about one in 2000. Even if you were to get infected, the risk could be as low as one in 500 from the JJ vaccine. It's important to note that such calculations are averages, and every individual's situation may vary.

The Comfort of a Planned Vacation

Planning a vacation in advance and paying for it ensures a level of comfort and tranquility. This includes the emotions of relaxation, enjoyment, and spending quality time with family. If you are fully vaccinated, the primary concern should be balancing the risk and the enjoyment of your vacation. If the daily case rate is low and not increasing in your community, the risk is minimal.

Engagement and Responsible Travel

Maintaining a respectful and informed conversation with your non-vaccinated family members can be crucial. Discuss the importance of vaccinations and the peer-reviewed research that supports their efficacy. It’s important to emphasize that you cannot force someone to get vaccinated, but you can engage constructively to share information. This would help in making informed decisions and ensuring everyone's safety.

Additional Precautions: Testing and Social Interaction

Ensuring everyone in the group gets tested just before the vacation and minimizing social contact for a week prior to the test would significantly reduce the risk. This approach not only helps in confirming the status of each person but also allows everyone to focus on the present and not worry about potential contagion. It's a responsible measure that respects the health and well-being of all participants.

Personal Decision-Making and Comfort

As a healthy 51-year-old, my personal stance is that the risk of infection post-second vaccination is sufficiently low to not significantly reduce my quality of life. Evaluating the risk against the enjoyment and the comfort of spending time with loved ones is key. The comfort of a 1-week stay in a summer house with family outweighs the potential risk in many cases.

Conclusion

While fully vaccinated, the decision to go on a vacation with non-vaccinated relatives is a personal one. Assess the risks, engage in responsible discussions, and consider additional precautions. The comfort and joy of spending time with family can be compelling enough to mitigate some of the perceived risks. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that suits you best.