This is how the messaging should have been for COVID and the vaccine for a long time:

The holiday season fast approaching, and R.I. Department of Health Medical Director Dr. James McDonald is expecting the celebrations to look like they did prior to the pandemic.

“I’m not planning on a virtual Thanksgiving or Christmas this year,” he said during his monthly interview on 12 News at 4. “I expect this year, all of us will gather [for the holidays].”

That being said, he urged those who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 get the shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones.

No carrot, no stick… just the professional opinion that the vaccine is safe and that it’s a good idea to get it.