Coda doctor on CDC’s new “no masks” guidances

Alex: There was a big announcement a few days ago from the CDC in which they said masks were no longer recommended for most indoor and outdoor scenarios. I’m curious about your thoughts on that.

Dr. IV Mirus: This is the biggest sign that we are going back to a normal life. I think it really drives home the point that vaccines work. If the CDC was worried or scared about the vaccines, about whether they worked or not, they would have maintained the masks. But because they are no longer needed, it means a success, a big win for the vaccines.

However, I did not expect for this to happen so soon. I would have assumed they would wait until after the summer to give new recommendations on masks, but I have mixed feelings. The data is good. We know that vaccines work. But the messaging is different now, because in the past, we thought of public health as a team effort. We wore masks to protect other people. We got the vaccines not only for ourselves but also to protect those who can’t get a vaccine or can’t go out, you know.

Right now, it feels the opposite. If you’re vaccinated, you’re covered for yourself. You don’t need to put in a team effort anymore.

Alex: The Pfizer vaccine was recently approved for emergency use for those ages 12 to 15. So there’s a wider pool, but there are still those who are ages 11 and under who are without vaccines. So with masks, suppose the parents or the older siblings are no longer wearing masks, what about them?

Dr. IV Mirus: If there are people in the household who are not vaccinated, then it is important for children to wear masks because they can get sick. The children’s illness won’t be severe, but they can spread it to adults in the house. For ages 2 or younger, they don’t need to wear masks. But if a child is playing outside, or an adult is playing outside, do they need to wear a mask. I would say no, the risk is very low if you’re already vaccinated and playing outside or if it’s children playing outside. If you wash your hands and practice good hygiene, that should be enough to protect you.

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Alex: There are some people who got vaccinated but still become sick with the coronavirus. They are the “breakthrough cases.”

Dr. IV Mirus: It’s true, if you’re vaccinated, it’s possible to still get sick. It’s possible to get severe illness and die, but it’s extremely rare. Very, very rare. I don’t want people to waste their energy worrying about that.

It is my opinion that we should wear masks until after 50% or 60% of the population is vaccinated. It’s just my opinion, it’s not based on data. But we are not waiting and going ahead with 36% (vaccination rate), it’s okay. It’s still vague, but the CDC made the proclamation, so okay, I’ll go with it. And enjoy it at the same time.

Alex: Understood.

Dr. IV Mirus: It’s really important to get vaccinated, especially now that masks and social distancing are ending. If you’re not vaccinated, you’re at risk, period. I still see patients come into the emergency department sick with Covid-19. Every time, they didn’t get the vaccine. It makes me wonder and it makes me a bit disappointed.

Alex: You’re still seeing patients?

Dr. IV Mirus: Yes, still. Just the other day I saw a coronavirus patient, an older patient. They are doing all right, but they didn’t have to be in the hospital in the first place if they got the vaccine. They would have never realized they got infected. The immune system takes care of it immediately. You never knew you got sick. So it’s a frustrating feeling. C’mon, get the vaccine, you know? It will help you. The data is good. It is safe and effective.