Vaccination Status Splits Thanksgiving Plans In GA: Patch Survey

GEORGIA — As the end of 2021 approaches, we are beginning another holiday season amid the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the availability of COVID-19 vaccines is making it easier for some families planning to celebrate Thanksgiving together.

Georgia families will decide if they'll limit Thanksgiving dinner to their households or invite extended family members and friends with precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you're eligible.

Last week, Patch asked Georgia readers how they plan to spend Thanksgiving — and most said that vaccination status will play some part in who gets invited to the dinner table.

Patch's survey, which appeared in questionnaire form online, is meant to be an informal collection of Georgians' opinions. It is not a scientific survey and its results should not be viewed as such.

More than 300 Georgia Patch readers responded, and were split about whether vaccinations were a deciding factor. Out of the responses, a slight majority said they will not invite anyone who they know is not fully vaccinated.

One commenter said, "If we weren’t invited to a vaccine only gathering with people who take health seriously, we’d be staying home, just the two of us again this year. We are not celebrating with any family because they will not have vaccine-only gatherings and most won’t wear masks. We are a high-risk household and also have no interest being the cause of someone else’s death for our own wants and desires."

For those who celebrate with others, the CDC has guidance to reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19. The CDC recommends wearing a mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated. Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.

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But the majority of readers who took the Patch survey said they do not think people should wear masks if celebrating with someone outside their household or those who are not fully vaccinated.

"When gathering with family or friends, special attention must be given to respecting those in attendance, especially those who are immunocompromised because of age or medical conditions," one reader wrote.

Another said, "we're driving five hours to spend the holiday with four generations of family (group will be seven people). Everyone is vaccinated and several have boosters as well. The 6-year-old has the first dose and is getting the second dose a few days after the holiday. We don't worry about masking around this group because of everyone being vaccinated, and we know everyone in this group wears a mask when shopping, etc."

If your gathering includes people from different households, consider additional precautions including avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel or taking a test in advance. The CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

This may not matter to Georgians, as the majority who took the survey said they do not plan to travel this Thanksgiving.

A reader wrote it is "sad not to be with family out of state, but all are not vaccinated, and we prefer to stay at home like we did last year. We would love to be with them, but afraid to risk being around those who are unvaccinated; plus, we don't feel comfortable traveling yet."

However, another said she plans to travel: "This year I am being more intentional about visiting my family in Florida. Many years, I would stay local for the holiday. After the past two years of this, I am determined to be with my loved ones."

Other suggestions include small outdoor meals with family and friends, limiting the number of guests, using single-use options like plastic utensils, and opening windows for indoor meals.

All things considered, the majority who took the survey said they are not concerned that Thanksgiving may contribute to a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Georgia and the U.S.

Most Patch readers who chose to leave a comment said they and others should take precautions this Thanksgiving. Here's a sampling of comments from those who responded:

• We're celebrating with our immediate family only. The case numbers are still too high and vaccination rates (in GA and elsewhere) too low. Traveling itself (even if to visit only vaccinated family members) is still too risky.
• Celebrating normally ... like we did last year, and the year before...
• In years past, our Thanksgiving might have included extended family and, occasionally, friends. This year, as last, we will host only our children/grandchildren.
• Celebrating like we always have! Not afraid of virus, car accidents or choking on turkey bones! Live life & live it!
• Some vaccinated family were planning to come for Thanksgiving, but they can’t afford to travel after nearly two years out of work.
• Last year we stayed home by ourselves and didn’t see anyone for Thanksgiving. This year since we have our booster shots we are going to see family for Thanksgiving.
• At this point everyone I know has made their decisions. We did not exclude any invites. It is up to them as responsible adults to make their own decision to come or not and if someone wants to wear a mask it is up to them.
• I'm not changing a thing. I'm doing as I always do. No masks and I don't care about vaccination status.
• I do not know what tomorrow brings, I will be with friends and family to make Thanksgiving the best day possible.