Behind the CDC’s new COVID-19 mask guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated

Listen to Health Affairs' Chris Fleming and Vabren Watts discuss the latest CDC guidelines related to COVID-19 and whether fully vaccinated individuals should wear masks indoors.

Show Notes

Last week, the CDC updated its guidance on mask-wearing in public for individuals that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The agency stated, "if you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic." That means fully vaccinated individuals can wear masks indoors or outdoors if they choose to.

Unsurprisingly, this guidance was met with controversy.

Some critics felt the guidelines were too abrupt while others questioned if the guidelines hold up principles of health equity. On today's episode of Health Affairs This Week, Health Affairs' Blog Editor Chris Fleming and Director of Equity Vabren Watts review the CDC guidelines and discuss the criticism and remaining questions surrounding the agency's decision.

Related Links:

• When You've Been Fully Vaccinated (CDC)
• Fauci Says Public Is 'Misinterpreting' Latest CDC Mask Guidance (CNBC)
• The CDC's Mask Guidance Is A Mess. Biden Needs To Clean It Up (Washington Post)
• Community Use Of face Masks And COVID-19: Evidence From A Natural Experiment Of State Mandates In The US (Health Affairs)

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Creators and Guests

AB

Composer

Andrew Barnes

Andrew Barnes wrote the theme music for Health Affairs This Week. He writes music under the name Fake Fever.

What is Health Affairs This Week?

Health Affairs This Week places listeners at the center of health policy’s proverbial water cooler. Join host Jeff Byers, editors from Health Affairs Publishing, and guests as they discuss health policy’s most pressing news and trends.