Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Plan Ahead for a Healthy and Safe Holiday
As you and your family prepare to travel during the holiday season, the VDH reminds you to take important steps now to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Holiday travel and festive gatherings can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases and encountering unexpected emergencies.
Tips to healthy and safe holiday travel:
- Check Immunization Status: To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your recommended vaccines. Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people. Bring a copy of your official immunization records with you when you travel.
- Prevent Seasonal Illnesses: Protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV by doing three little things: washing your hands, covering your cough and getting vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
- Monitor Travel Advisories: Check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State travel advisories before departure.
- Pack Smart: Pack enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Pack a travel health kit.
- Stay Home if Sick: Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover expenses if you must change your plans due to illness.
VDH wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and festive holiday season.