Healthy summer living
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EmailTips for keeping yourself and others safe this summer.
For many, summer represents a time of gatherings, travel, and time spent on hobbies and sports. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC announced that May 11, 2023 was the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, it is still important for people to know what they can do to keep themselves and others safe and healthy during the summer. MSU Extension’s Michigan Vaccine Project sat down with Dr. Ida Rubino, family physician with Corewell Health to discuss healthy living strategies for the summer months and throughout the year. Highlights of the interview are below.
What are the main vaccines you should consider for yourself or your kids this summer?
If a child or adolescent is caught up on the routine recommended vaccines according to the CDC schedule, they should be protected for the summer. Adults should also stay up to date on their routine vaccinations according to the adult CDC schedule. If there is a delay in any of the recommended routine vaccinations, there may be associated risks. These could be important especially with people being outside, with other people, and traveling.
Do vaccines matter as much in the summer since we’re able to spread out and be outside?
Absolutely. Even when being outside in the fresh air, people can be close together, sharing drinks and food, and in close contact. Many viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets as we’ve learned through COVID-19, some may be through bodily fluids, and some may be sexually transmitted. So, there are risk factors that can be prevented with vaccines that may not have anything to do with whether a person is outside or indoors, but with certain high-risk behaviors that might be seen.
Do you have recommendations for how to gather large groups safely this summer?
If you are sick, stay home! Handwashing is also important. If you are preparing food or going to be around a large group, even if outdoors, wash your hands.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Rubino.
Help finding a doctor:
If you need help finding a doctor, try searching for primary care physicians or gynecologists in your area that are highly recommended, search your insurance provider’s website for doctors in your network, or ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors. There are also search engines that can help you narrow your search based on region and specialty needed.
Where can you find vaccines?
To find a vaccine, check with your primary care physician, local health departments, pharmacies, and clinics. You can also visit https://www.vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you.
If you would like to learn more about vaccines, check out Michigan State University Extension’s partnership with the Michigan Vaccine Project to find links to event schedules, podcasts, publications, webinars, and videos relating to vaccine education.
