While these developments mark a historic moment and are highly promising, that does not mean that Americans can stop wearing masks at any time. CNN medical researcher Dr. Lena Wen explains why she is an emergency physician and a visiting professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University.
CNN: Does the vaccine protect people from getting COV-19? If so, how do I still wear a mask?
Wen: This is a good question! It is important to be clear about what we know and what we do not know about what the vaccine does. We know that the Pfizer vaccine is very effective in preventing symptomatic and serious illnesses. That is, the vaccine appears to prevent people from becoming ill to the point where they develop symptoms, and most importantly, it prevents people from becoming seriously ill and they end up in the hospital. This is really great news.
Studies have not yet shown here. They did not see if the vaccine would prevent the spread of the virus to others. Someone is likely to get the vaccine, but may still be an asymptomatic carrier. They may not show any symptoms, but if they do talk, breathe or sneeze because the virus is in their nasal passages, they can pass it on to others.
This is the main reason why you can not stop wearing the mask once you get the vaccine. The vaccine will protect you from getting sick and then you will be admitted to the hospital. But you are still more likely to carry the virus and infect others. So vaccinated people still need to wear masks and do physical distance training.
CNN: Does that mean we have to wear public masks anymore?
Wen: No, not forever, but for a while. It is estimated that about 70% of Americans need to be vaccinated before the herd can gain immunity through vaccination. Adequate individuals have immune protection against the virus spreading anymore.
This means that about 230 million Americans need to be vaccinated. It takes time to make many of these vaccines – and keep in mind that the Pfizer and Modern vaccines are two-dose vaccines, so you need to double the dose per population. The vaccine must then be distributed and actually given to the people. If all goes well, the best estimates are that most Americans will be vaccinated in late spring or early summer. At that point, we could see each other without masks – but not before that.
CNN: Can this timeline be expedited?
Wen: Already, vaccine development is progressing at an incredible pace. It took four years for a vaccine to be developed most rapidly before this infection. We now have an approved vaccine within a year.
How quickly we reach herd immunity depends on the production, distribution and willingness of the American people to vaccinate. There is concern that many Americans will not get the vaccine even if they get it. We need to have a public education campaign that can think differently for different communities.
We all need help too! This is your turn, please get vaccinated. Help convince your family and friends about the importance of the vaccine to save lives and put an end to this infection.
CNN: What about people who can’t get vaccinated? Do they have to wear masks?
Wen: For now, everyone should keep wearing a mask. There will be a small number of people who cannot get vaccinated. Initially, children could not be vaccinated because it had not yet been tested in children. It is also possible that some individuals have certain medical conditions that make it impossible to get the vaccine, or that the vaccine is less effective for them. That’s why the rest need to be vaccinated and protected. Herd immunity is also known as community immunity: society vaccines to protect everyone.
That’s why we wear masks. We do it to protect ourselves and to protect others. Keep in mind that even after getting the vaccine, you can still spread the virus to others. Also, the vaccine is very effective, but it is not 100%. The mask still protects you.
CNN: Do you still wear a mask after getting vaccinated?
Wen: Yes. I will do this to protect others and to protect myself. Here is another way to think about the importance of wearing a mask. The vaccine will protect you if the virus reaches your nose and your mouth. Your body senses the virus, and instead of the virus attacking your body, your body’s immune system kicks in and gets rid of the virus.
It is very important to prevent the virus from reaching your body in the first place. Wearing a mask does just that. Physical distance also does. These are very important steps to prevent the corona virus from entering and transmitting to others.
You will definitely find one of the first groups to get vaccinated wearing a mask among health workers. Vaccination is an important protective layer for us, but we will use these other measures to protect ourselves and those around us.
CNN: The Govt case numbers are at an all-time high in the United States, so the vaccine may not come even for a moment. Since a small percentage of the American population starts vaccinating, it seems that most people will not directly experience the benefits of this first release, right?
Wen: Absolutely. It is truly amazing that we have a vaccine that is 95% effective and very safe. Can put an end to the infection. But this will take time. The initial distribution of vaccines will be more than 1% of the population. It takes time to measure to reach 70%.
Everyone should follow the precautionary measures we are all talking about: Wear a mask. Keep physical distance. Avoid indoor meetings. Antivirus.
I will add one more thing: your method of vaccination. Let’s go this winter, spring and summer are so promising.