Today was a historical day as the first Covid-19 vaccines were administered in the United States. Vaccinations were delivered to all 50 states over the weekend, kicking off the most urgent vaccination campaign since the polio vaccine administration in the 1950’s. A nurse in New York was the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine administration in the U.S. with healthcare workers and first responders beginning the hierarchy of U.S. vaccine administration.
Vaccine Administration in the U.S.
In a press conference today, Gen. Gustave Perna, chief operation officer for Operation Warp Speed, the U.S. government’s coronavirus-response program said that plans remain on track for a total of 636 locations to receive vaccines by Wednesday and an additional 581 between Thursday and Sunday, completing distribution of an initial 2.9 million doses. Next in line following the healthcare and front line workers are residents of the hard hit long term care facilities. Perna indicated that we can see the first vaccines in those populations as early as December 21. Pfizer has said that 25 million doses will be available in the US by the end of the month. The vaccine requires two administrations with the first being administered now and a booster being delivered 21-28 days later.
What Does This Mean For Travel?
What does this mean for travel? It looks like 2021 will be the year where the world comes back to life. The travel industry will come back, but not without changes. Travellers should expect new policies globally. And they should expect changes in practices, possibly differing practices per each specific vendor and destination. Change and cancellation fees will likely be different than before. Travel insurance will likely be more important (as is understanding coverage). Health and safety measures are already different and travellers will want to understand these protocols in each destination. And vaccination and testing requirements will likely factor into various travel destinations and even airlines.
Use a Travel Advisor
Using a travel planner will never be more important than it is now. Travel planners are professionals who navigate the industry on a daily basis and are equipped with up-to-the-minute information on trends, policies, and requirements for multiple venues and destinations. We keep track of post-Covid changes at each destination including current quality, access and safety. Using a travel planner costs the consumer nothing. Most vendors build in a fee for a travel agent in the price of their vacation. Either the consumer uses an agent (and the agent gets that fee) or the consumer tries to plan and navigate this new era on their own (and the destination keeps that agent fee as profit). Using a travel advisor arms you with a knowledgeable pair of eyes and ears in your corner who can help you make informed decisions about restrictions, expectations and guidelines.
Plan Now, Travel Later!
Booking now for travel later is important. Let’s face it. People are tired of almost a year of quarantine and social distancing and limited access to public places. Once the vaccine is widespread and traveling starts returning to normal, we expect a rush to book vacations, particularly for spring break and summer. Take advantage of savings and special offers now before they are no longer available. With risk free change and cancellation policies for most destinations, it is not a financial risk to book future travel now. Many destinations are requiring lower than usual deposits and offering perks and upgrades that are typically unprecedented.
So celebrate the new hope that this vaccine brings with it and contact us today for your free, no obligation quote!
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