Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
COVID-19
Matthew S. Schwartz, NPR

'I vaccinated Santa Claus,' Fauci tells kids

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Bill Sandeen, dressed as Santa Claus, waits for the opening of a Santa drive-through selfie station in Las Vegas on Dec. 10. The real Santa was vaccinated by Dr. Anthony Fauci at the North Pole.
Bill Sandeen, dressed as Santa Claus, waits for the opening of a Santa drive-through selfie station in Las Vegas on Dec. 10.
John Locher | AP

Kids want to know: Is it safe for Santa to stop by this year?

"Will Santa still be able to visit me in coronavirus's season?" asked 6-year-old Paxton from Geneva, Ill., during a CNN-Sesame Street town hall Saturday. "What if he can't go to anyone's house, or near his reindeer?"

Luckily for children everywhere, the nation's top infectious disease specialist is on the case. "I took care of that for you, because I was worried that you'd all be upset," Dr. Anthony Fauci responded. "So what I did a little while ago: I took a trip up there to the North Pole, I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself.

"I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go," Fauci added. "He can come down the chimney, he can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about."

During the town hall, Fauci responded to other concerns from children, including when they'll be able to hug their families again (right now, if it's someone who lives with you), and whether the vaccine hurts (it's just a pinch).

Kids might still want to see Santa in person at the mall this year. But it's probably not a good idea this time, health experts told NPR.

Many Santas have instead set up virtual or drive-by options.

The pandemic has been tough for kids. There's evidence that depression and anxiety have increased as kids have been spending time at home, away from friends.

To celebrate Christmas, experts are encouraging some variations from the normal celebrations this year: cookie drop-offs instead of in-home group baking, looking at Christmas lights from the car to avoid crowds, outdoor family caroling instead of singing inside.

And it's probably safe to do outdoor activities — sledding, ice skating, playing in the snow — provided you wear a mask.

Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.