News 12’s Erin Colton was joined by Dr. Sharon Nachman, of the Stony Brook University Infectious Disease Department, to discuss how to safely gather for the holidays as COVID-19 cases surge.

Dr. Nachman says while it is exciting to get together for the holidays, it's important to take precautions through testing and vaccination.

Why is there a big COVID-19 surge when vaccination rates are up? Dr. Nachman says the main goal of vaccines is to protect you from hospitalization and death.

Dr. Nachman says not to wait on getting a booster shot for those who are eligible.