City of San Antonio and Bexar County Share Guidance and Recommendations to Celebrate the Winter Holidays Safely

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Rudy Arispe: (210) 207-8172

SAN ANTONIO (November 30, 2021) - As the winter holidays approach, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County offer guidance and recommendations to celebrate in a safer way. All eligible residents are urged to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster ahead of the holidays.
"Although our current risk level is low, San Antonio and Bexar County continue to report new cases of COVID each day, and individuals are still being admitted to area hospitals," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said during a press conference today at City Hall. "The best way to reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection and celebrate the holidays in a safer way is to get vaccinated."
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff encouraged parents to have their children, 5 years and older, vaccinated with the Pfizer COVID vaccine after the recommendation made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on November 2.
"Parents now have peace of mind knowing their children will be protected from COVID-19 when they are at school or around adults who might be unvaccinated," Judge Wolff said. "We also know that children can spread the coronavirus even if they are not showing symptoms. By getting vaccinated, they help to break the chain of transmission."
Metro Health Director Claude A. Jacob reminded residents that booster shots are now available to all residents, 18 and older.
"Boosters are important because they offer extra protection against COVID-19 for those who are already fully vaccinated," Jacob said. "Metro Health has plenty of vaccine supply available to provide booster doses to all eligible residents, so we encourage individuals to get a booster as the holidays kick into full gear."
Safer Holiday Celebration Recommendations

• The best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and celebrate a safer holiday season with your family and friends is to get vaccinated.
• If you are in a crowded setting, such as shopping for holiday gifts, wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
• Enjoy holiday meals and events in an outdoor or well-ventilated area. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don't host or attend a gathering.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have close contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you are waiting for your test results, don't host or attend a gathering.

Click here for more information about staying safe during the winter holidays.
Who should get a booster shot?

According to the latest CDC guidance, some groups should get a booster, and some groups may get a booster based on their individual risks.
People who should get a booster are:

• All Johnson & Johnson recipients, age 18 and older, at least 2 months after initial vaccination.
• All Moderna and Pfizer recipients, age 50 and older, at least 6 months after their second dose.
• All residents, age 18 and older, in long-term care settings.

People who may get a booster are:

• All adults, age 18 and older, at least 6 months after completing their primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

The CDC advises people to get the same booster as their initial vaccine, but it does allow people to mix and match, which means getting a different COVID-19 booster than their initial vaccine, depending on availability or if they choose to do so.
To find a list of pop-up clinics, visit www.covid19.sanantonio.gov or call 311 and select option 8. Vaccinations are also available at the Alamodome drive-thru clinic in Lot B from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays. No appointment needed. Please note that only the Pfizer vaccine is given at the Alamodome.
Metro Health continues to offer a $100 H-E-B gift card for those who have yet to be fully vaccinated. The incentive is available at Metro Health pop-up clinics only and at the Alamodome while supplies last.