Ask the doctor: Excela's Dr. Fox weighs in on vaccines, Thanksgiving gatherings

The Tribune-Review asked Dr. Carol Fox, chief medical officer at Excela Health, a few questions regarding vaccines and holiday gatherings.

Here are her responses:

Q: Should people consider the vaccination status of others when planning holiday gatherings?

A: I think that would be wise. Ideally, everyone that you gather with will be vaccinated.

Q: If vaccinated and unvaccinated people gather together, who is at greater risk? Should they keep apart from each other?

A: Unvaccinated people, in general, are at greater risk. However, we know that individuals with certain immunocompromising conditions are at the greatest risk of all, especially if they have not received a third or booster dose of the vaccine or if they have not been vaccinated at all. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks and, if there is someone who is vulnerable due to comorbid conditions, even the vaccinated should consider wearing a mask in order to protect their immunocompromised friends and family members.

Q: If everyone is fully vaccinated, do they need to wear masks?

A: You may wish to not wear masks if everyone is fully vaccinated. However, if there are people with weakened immune systems, you may wish to choose to wear a mask in order to protect them.