-
The Science is in Again: Masks STILL Work
As states prematurely end mask mandates, mounting evidence continues to show that masks do indeed work! Despite the clear evidence that masks are effective at reducing COVID-19 transmission, political leaders are moving to downplay the importance of masks and choosing politics over public health. What’s especially troublesome is bolstering the idea that mask mandates may no longer be necessary in public schools (some states have already moved to end mandates in schools) again going against the strong evidence that masking in schools reduces transmission of COVID-19 as discussed in previous posts.
The data on the effectiveness of masks is clear (I have presented it before) and more data since has come out reaffirming this fact. Let’s review the most recent study delineating just how essential masking is AND once again highlighting that not all masks are created equal (refer to my prior post on the best masks). Here are some major findings of this study:
- Use of a face mask or respirator indoors was associated with a lower chance of infection with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)
- Protection against SARS-COV-2 was highest in those who reported wearing a face mask or respirator all the time
- Infection was also lowest amongst those who usually wore an N95/KN95 respirator
- The group with the second lowest infection rate was those wearing surgical masks
- Cloth masks offered the least protections
Of course, every study including this one has limitations, which you can read about in the discussion section, but the overall message remains clear. I ask political leaders and the public to consider these points before making swift decisions that will impact our most vulnerable populations:
- Children under 5 years old are still not yet eligible for vaccination
- Only 50% of those eligible for booster shots in the US have received them (recent data highlights the necessity of a booster shot in light of omicron)
- Vaccine inequity is a major issue (recent data shows how low-income workers are disproportionately affected)
- The US has the highest death rate of high-income countries surpassing a death toll of 900,000 and a lower percentage of people vaccinated compared to many European countries that are relaxing protections (many of these countries also have paid sick leave, universal healthcare etc.) thus, parallels cannot be drawn
While many states are ending their mask mandates, the responsibility to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the society we inhabit falls on each of us. Community is an important aspect of the fight against COVID-19 and has been since the beginning. Until protection is widespread and equitable, defeating COVID-19 will be an insurmountable feat. Please mask up and take care of each other.
References:
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/dozen-states-move-end-masking-mandates-covid-19/story?id=82806903
Andrejko KL, Pry JM, Myers JF, et al. Effectiveness of Face Mask or Respirator Use in Indoor Public Settings for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection — California, February–December 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:212–216. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7106e1external icon.
Budzyn SE, Panaggio MJ, Parks SE, et al. Pediatric COVID-19 Cases in Counties With and Without School Mask Requirements – United States, July 1-September 4, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70(39):1377-1378. Published 2021 Oct 1. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7039e3
Brooks JT, Butler JC. Effectiveness of mask wearing to control community spread of SARS-CoV-2. JAMA 2021;325:998–9. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.1505external icon PMID:33566056external icon
Chughtai AA, Seale H, Macintyre CR. Effectiveness of cloth masks for protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Emerg Infect Dis 2020;26:e200948. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2610.200948external icon PMID:32639930external icon
Andrejko KL, Pry J, Myers JF, et al.; California COVID-19 Case-Control Study Team. Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection following high-risk exposure. Clin Infect Dis . Epub December 21, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciab1040external icon PMID:34932817external icon
Thompson MG, Natarajan K, Irving SA, et al. Effectiveness of a Third Dose of mRNA Vaccines Against COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Adults During Periods of Delta and Omicron Variant Predominance — VISION Network, 10 States, August 2021–January 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:139–145. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7104e3external icon.
-
Coffee Chat: Vaccine Mandates
🗣 Let’s talk vaccine mandates. “The liberty secured by the Constitution of the United States to every person within its jurisdiction does not import an absolute right in each person to be, at all times and in all circumstances, wholly freed from restraint,” Justice John Marshall Harlan stated this during the court case Jacobsen v. Massachusetts in which a pastor had violated the mandate for the smallpox vaccine in Cambridge. He went on to say “there are manifold restraints to which every person is necessarily subject for the common good.” This was in 1906 and still applies today, individual right must always give way to the “common good.”
🏥 In March, Houston Methodist in Texas became the first the healthcare system to require covid-19 vaccinations for all its employees. As a result, 153 employees were fired (with about 25,000 vaccinated!). When a lawsuit was filed by the ousted employees, a federal judge in Texas sided with the hospital, maintaining the mandate’s legality. Since that ruling, many hospitals across the country have followed suit as well as private companies and even entire cities.
❓Can public and private employers mandate covid-19 vaccination? Yes, as long as they are not breaking workplace-discrimination laws such as those that may be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which may allow for those with medical conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated to gain an exemption and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which allows those with religious objections to seek exemption. Even if exemptions are granted, accomodations such as wearing a face mask, comitting to periodic testing or working from home can be made as long as they do not create “undo hardship” for the business.
❓Can the state and local governments mandate covid-19 vaccines? Yes, the legal precedent was set by Jacobsen vs. Massachussetts.
❓Can the federal government mandate vaccines? Probably not, but it can make life unpleasant and expensive for those who remain unvaccinated. For example, getting vaccinated could be incentivized in the form of offering tax breaks like those given for having a child or buying a home. Those who choose to remain unvaccinated, may also be expected to pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes.
While the most important benefit of getting vaccinated is to protect yourself and those you care about, there are also economic and societal implications to your decision. #letsgetvaccinated #covid19 #vaccinemandates #jacobsenvsmassachusetts
-
Coffee Chat: COVID-19 Vaccine and Misinformation
🗣 Let’s talk misinformation and the covid vaccines. There’s been an increase in misinformation about the vaccines especially over the last few weeks. As healthcare professionals, we have an obligation to present facts and keep our patients well informed when making decisions about their health, but when public safety/health is being compromised by misinformation this obligation extends into our personal lives. It can be frustrating when a constant barrage of inaccurate and detrimental information from social media and public figures impedes our efforts and the efforts of scientists and public health experts to keep us safe. When speaking to those who may be hesitant about the vaccines (whether they are patients, family members, friends etc.), I find it best to take an individualized approach and tailor reasoning to their specific concerns. Some may respond better to personal accounts and others want to see the data. Here are some points to get started:
💉The vaccines were developed quickly as the need was urgent, but they were still subjected to the same vigorous trials all vaccines must go through before they are made available.
💉Covid vaccines are proven to be safe and effective and were developed with technology that’s been studied for years
💉The most common side effect is injection site pain followed by headache, fatigue and body aches
💉Possible side effects should not deter anyone from getting the vaccine as the risks posed by getting covid itself are far worse
💉While it is possible to become infected with covid even after vaccination, the risk of developing severe illness, being hospitalized/dying is greatly reduced
💉Given the increased transmissability of the Delta variant and its significant impact on children, it is now more important than ever to get vaccinated both for youself and your loved ones
💉It is also important to still mask indoors even when fully vaccinated due to how transmissable the Delta variant is and to protect those who cannot be vaccinated (children under age 12)
🇺🇸 I cannot think of anything more patriotic than getting vaccinated to protect your fellow citizens! #letsgetvaccinated #covid19 #covid vaccine