Is a specific vaccine necessary to combat the omicron variant?
2:07
(CNN) -
As we enter the holiday season at the end of the year, the new omicron variant has spread rapidly across South Africa and has now reached numerous locations in the United States.
Preliminary data indicates that the vaccines may not be as protective against this new coronavirus variant as they were against earlier variants, although a booster dose appears to increase protection.
Should all this information change the way we think about the Christmas holidays in December?
What factors should we consider when deciding whether to attend?
If you are organizing an event, how can you help reduce the risk of spreading covid-19?
I discussed this with our expert, Dr. Leana Wen, CNN Medical Analyst, Emergency Physician, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
She is also the author of a new book, "Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health."
CNN: Should people change their Christmas reunion plans because of omicron?
Dr. Leana Wen:
Not at the moment, no, at least in the United States.
That's because the dominant American variant by far is still the delta variant.
Omicron has spread rapidly in South Africa, but has yet to overtake delta here;
although it is possible that this will happen in the next weeks and months.
I'm not saying that people should set aside the caution around covid-19, just that the decision should be driven by what we are concerned about at the moment, which is primarily the delta variant.
And there is a lot to worry about there.
Infections are on the rise, as are hospitalizations and deaths.
People who attend Christmas gatherings should certainly be aware of the risk of spreading covid-19 when they are around other people, in closed environments.
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Meet the first patient with the omicron variant detected in the US 1:35
CNN: What should people consider when deciding whether to attend a holiday party?
Wen:
People should consider three factors.
First, what is your medical circumstance and the circumstances of the people in your household?
If everyone in your household is fully vaccinated and on the booster, that is a very different situation than if no one receives a booster and some family members, such as younger children, are not vaccinated or have only received one dose.
Second, what precautions are being taken at the party? I would feel much more comfortable if everyone had to get vaccinated, ideally they would also get a booster, and if proof of vaccination was requested at the door. Is the event indoors or outdoors? If completely indoors, will testing be required? Same day home testing for all attendees will add an extra level of peace of mind.
An important caveat to keep in mind is that events serving food and drink may say that they require the use of masks, but unless you plan to keep your mask on at all times, regardless of what others are doing, you should address this. as if the event did not require masks.
That means this would be considered high risk unless some of these other measures, like vaccination and required testing, are there as well.
Third, what is the value of the event to you?
There may be a higher risk event that you decide to attend not because of your safety, but because it is very important to you.
A close friend's wedding, a memorial service, a family reunion.
These can be so valuable to you that you are willing to take the risk.
However, remember that risk is additive.
Attending a higher risk event does not mean you should go to others.
If you decide that some higher risk events, such as weddings and funerals, are really important to you, you should consider skipping others (the office Christmas party or a friend's New Years meeting) because these events are not as crucial as others.
CNN: What if you don't know what precautions there will be?
Wen:
Ask the organizer.
Depending on your relationship, you can even suggest ways to make the event safer from a COVID-19 perspective.
For example, if the weather is nice, perhaps some parts of the meeting can be held outdoors.
The host may be willing to consider the vaccination requirement or testing based on your suggestion.
CNN: If you're hosting a party, what additional steps can you take to reduce the risk to guests of the omicron variant?
Wen:
Once again, I would highly recommend the vaccination requirement and the verification booster.
For indoor non-mask events, I also recommend same-day testing.
I would also recommend early, clear and consistent communication.
Let your guests know well in advance so they have time to receive their booster doses or run quick home tests.
Some guests may be reluctant to ask you, but they will be very relieved to learn that you have taken so many security measures into account.
Some may also be concerned about the new variant.
Continuing to communicate regularly will be important before the event.
CNN: What if you ask for them to be vaccinated, but you know that some people who plan to come are not vaccinated or are unwilling to share their vaccination status?
Wen
: I think you have three options.
First, you can try changing the settings to make it safer to accommodate these unvaccinated people.
There are parts of the country where an outdoor event might still be feasible.
Second, you can still host the event, but inform other guests that you don't need to be vaccinated.
I think you have an obligation to tell the guests that some of the attendees may not be vaccinated.
That allows people to make the decision not to attend if they want to.
Is it risky to invite unvaccinated people home for the holidays?
1:22
Third, you could still require vaccination, which means that some unvaccinated people will not be able to participate.
Whether you choose to do this depends, in part, on how many others would not come if vaccination was not necessary.
CNN: What if you decide to go to an event, but it turns out that security protocols are not being followed as promised?
Wen:
You have at least four options.
First, you could speak to the host.
If vaccination cards aren't checked at the door, but it's a small gathering and the host is confident that everyone is vaccinated, that could give you the peace of mind you need.
If you thought the event was outdoors but is actually in a closed tent, perhaps the host could open one or more of the sides to improve ventilation.
Second, you could protect yourself the best you can.
Let's say you thought it was a vaccine-only event, but it turned out not to be.
Even if others don't wear masks, you can still use a high-quality mask.
Third, you can decide that you agree to the lowest level of precautions.
If you go this route, be sure to take extra care before visiting vulnerable family members - wait a few days after the event and then try it out before going to see an older relative in a nursing home, for example.
Then fourth, of course, you can always decide to leave.
It's about your physical health as well as your emotional and mental well-being.
In some circumstances, it may be wise to abandon an event that would otherwise leave you stressed and worried.
CNN: Do you have any other advice?
Wen:
Be flexible.
Check the COVID-19 infection rates in your area, just as you would with a weather forecast.
Keep an eye on omicron and, more importantly, delta.
Be prepared to modify plans, although I would not cancel yet due to the new variant.
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