COVID Travel and Holidays

November 13, 2020

NM Governor Health Order UPDATE:

New Mexicans instructed to shelter in place through Nov. 30.


You Need a Flu Shot (Now More Than Ever)

Importance of Flu Shots: Can protect you from getting flu, protect others, and reduce possible hospitalizations. Preventative tool for chronic health issues and elderly.



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HonesTea with SHAC HP Podcast: Things we all feel, but no one says. Green cup of tea in foreground.

HonesTea with SHAC HP Podcast - Flu Shots & COVID

Ugh! First we have COVID and now it's flu season.

Dr. James Wilterding, SHAC's Interim Executive Co-Director, talks about the importance of getting a flu shot and the possibilities of a twin-demic.

Hear all about it on the SHAC HP Podcast.





Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) logoCenters for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Articles


Flu Shots for the Community

  • Students can schedule an appointment for a flu shot with Student Health & Counseling by calling 505-277-3136.

    Take One for Raymond: SHAC dedicates their annual flu shots in memory of UNM student Raymond Plotkin, who passed away from the H1N1 virus in 2009.

  • UNM Staff & Faculty:

    Employee Occupational Health Services (EOHS)    , Family Practice Center, 2400 Tucker NE:  EOHS will give flu shots T, W, TH 8:30 am – 3:30 pm by appointment only to all UNM/HSC staff starting October 1, 2020. Appointments can be made by calling the EOHS front desk at 272-8043.

    LoboCare Clinic, 1101 Medical Arts Ave. NE, Bldg 4, Suite A. Employees and dependents enrolled in a UNM or UNMH employer-sponsored health plan are eligible to participate in the LoboCare Network. Call 505-272-8481 to schedule an appointment for a flu shot.

  • For more information/flu shot options, see: UNM Fall 2020 Flu Shot Webpage


Traveling Smart

Before you travel, check CDC website for travel health restrictions.

 

Safe Travel Tips: Clean hands, Avoid close contact with others, wear a face mask, cover coughs and sneezes, etc. Check CDC web for more info.

 

Travel Tips for Ground Transportation: Pack face masks and sanitizer, wash hands, pick drive-thru food if possible. Check CDC web for updates.

 

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Arriving Home After Travel

After you travel, check CDC website to see if you need to quarantine due to possible COVID-19 exposure.

 

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Holidays During the Pandemic: Protecting Yourself & Others

Safe Holiday Tips: Check CDC web for info about social gatherings during COVID-19 or flu season.

 

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Mental Health & COVID

Mental Health and COVID: Take care of your emotional health as well as your body. Check CDC web for more info.

 

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Student to Student: Enduring the Crisis Together

By Chris Naranjo, SHAC Health Promotion

Chris Naranjo poses in a dress shirt and tie.

With the holidays around the corner, I have a slight fear or worrisome feeling. 

I really want to go home and see my family, but what if that’s not the best decision? I really don’t want to put anyone at risk of catching the virus, specifically my parents and my grandma. I am still trying to do research and isolate myself before making such a big decision. On that note, as I've been looking around for answers and suggestions, I found a really cool article with tips, facts, and suggestions. Check it out here: "Looking for a Low Risk Way to Celebrate Thanksgiving? We Got You" 

This article provides a list of ways to celebrate ranging from minimal risk to very high risk. It also has some awesome feedback and really cool ways to celebrate that I had never even thought of. 

I really liked the recipe swap and virtual dinner, but I truly don’t know if I’ll ever be able to even get near to making a pie as good as my mom or those delicious bread rolls my grandma spends two days preparing. All jokes about food aside, I just want to see my family. Pre-COVID, I was at home like once a week but now it seems like months in between where I see them, and that is so saddening. I feel like I’m missing out on so much: memories, pregnancy announcements, and just spending precious time with those we might not have around for much longer. But I guess I am not the only one feeling this way, we all are.

I don’t know what I’m going to do yet and I’m not going to urge anyone to go or not to go, because ultimately it is going to be a hard decision either way. The article did say if you DO decide to go home: wear your mask indoors and outdoors, maintain that 6-foot distance, and of course continue good hand hygiene. Do what is best for you and your family, be precautious, and consider all possibilities. All I ask is that you always remember to stay safe, stay healthy, and be kind to one another.

Until next time,

Chris from SHAC


Follow the Data: Up-to Date Sources

Follow the Data: See below for up to date COVID-19 data sources.


SHAC Services & Hours: Telehealth & In-Person

To reduce the risk for spread of COVID-19:

SHAC medical and counseling visits are conducted virtually (by secure video or phone) and / or in person when it's practical and safe to do so. Call SHAC at (505) 277-3136 to speak to a medical provider before attempting to visit the clinic. A mask is required upon entering SHAC.

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SHAC Holiday Closure

"Happy Thanksgiving" text against autumn leaves.SHAC will be closed on Thu., Nov. 26 and Fri., Nov. 27, 2020 in observance of Thanksgiving. Make sure you have an adequate supply of meds for the 4-day weekend! Call the SHAC Pharmacy at (505) 277-6306.

See also: After-Hours Options