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SUMMER TRAVEL: HOW WILL THE COVID-19 VACCINE AFFECT YOUR SUMMER PLANS?

Local Medical Expert Shares the Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccine and Availability in Your Area

Dr. Nathan Spann, Pharm.D., BCPS

Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University

According to a recent study by PredictHQ, 73% of Americans plan to travel within the next three to six months.  In fact, 48% of those surveyed said they want to visit family and friends in another state and 40% said they want to go on vacation. Additionally, 35% are looking forward to attending outdoor fairs and concerts. But, what do summer plans look like for families who have members that are not vaccinated or hesitant to receive their COVID-19 vaccination?

With the summer months ahead and President Biden’s recent announcement of a National Month of Action, now is the time to mobilize an all-of-America sprint to get 70% of U.S. adults at least one dose of a vaccine by July 4^th, so that more people can get the protection they need to be safe from a pandemic that has taken the lives of nearly 600,000 Americans. While the United States has achieved a significant milestone in administering more than 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to date, with the number is growing daily, there is still roughly 20 percent of the population that remain hesitant.  In Idaho, approximately 19% of the population is uncertain about getting a COVID-19 vaccine (Census Bureau Household Pulse survey – collected between 5/12 – 5/24).

On June 28, Dr. Nathan Spann, Pharm.D., BCPS, Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, will be available to share factual information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in your community.  He can discuss the availability of vaccinations in your area as well as potential risks and benefits, efficacy, and current safety information.

DID YOU KNOW?

• FDA-authorized vaccines can keep you safe from COVID-19 and help keep from spreading the disease to family and friends.
• People who are fully vaccinated can safely resume socializing with other vaccinated people, or even with another family unit that is not vaccinated, without masks or social distancing.  
• Vaccines make it possible to travel without being tested for COVID or quarantining after travel.
• In clinical trials, all of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prevented nearly 100% of COVID-19 related hospitalization and death. 
• The federal government is providing COVID-19 vaccines free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of health insurance status. 

For more information please visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/

More About Dr. Nathan Spann:
Nathan Spann, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacist and Clinical Assistant Professor with Idaho State University’s College of Pharmacy in Meridian, Idaho. In his pharmacy practice, he conducts medication reviews for Medicare patients, ensuring that all prescription, over the counter, and herbal medications taken are safe and effective and that patients feel comfortable with their medications and all health-related questions and concerns are addressed. Dr. Spann also works part-time as a community pharmacist at Albertsons Pharmacies in the Treasure Valley.

Produced for: Department of Health and Human Services