A Shot in the Arm
The old idiom “a shot in the arm” once referred to something that had a sudden and positive effect on something, providing encouragement and new activity. Recently I got a shot in the arm – actually three of them – literally.
I got the flu vaccine (now the extra strength one for seniors), the COVID booster, and the new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine – all recommended by my doctor. I guess he considers me an “older adult” for whom RSV could be serious.
Keeping current with vaccines not only protects our own health, but it helps protect the community and can lessen the spread of illnesses.
As we enter the cold and flu season, please remember that if you are sick, stay home. Being sick, and even taking care of someone who is sick, dispenses you from the obligation to participate in person at Mass. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, you should also not be attending other parish gatherings such as our faith formation programs.
If anyone in your household tests positive for COVID, please follow the CDC guidelines at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html.
If you have been at the parish two to six days prior to getting sick, please alert the parish office to ensure people with whom you may have had contact with are aware, so they can monitor for symptoms.
I hope this is a shot in the arm for you to consider vaccinations and other ways you can protect your health and the health of our community.