vanguard. become an owner. due to the steps we ve taken, omicron has not yet spread as fast as it would have otherwise done and is happening in europe. but it s here now and it s spreading, and it s going to increase. for unvaccinated, we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death if you re unvaccinated. but there is good news. if you re vaccinated and you have your booster shot, you re protected from severe illness and death. joining us now, laurie garrett, pulitzer prize winning science reporter reporting on global pandemic. she is an msnbc science contributor. laurie, you tweeted about being on the show tonight, and you said that you d try to answer these questions, should you change your holiday travel plans and what about new year s eve?