Why Should You Put the Mask Back On, especially when 75% of Americans have had at least one shot? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is running a bit behind on posting the data and the new symptoms of COVID-19. So, we might not have accurate data based on other resources such as the COVID-19 tracking app. Things are changing so quickly.
CDC & Recommendations
Yesterday, the CDC has reversed its mask recommendations. It is recommending vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas with high transmission (US 2/3 of the states). Recommending masks for vaccinated people is not viewed as a good recommendation by many Americans.
People, including most of my friends, are enraged by the CDC recommendations, and rightfully so. This pandemic has been stressful, to say the least, and just when we thought that we could eliminate the mask for vaccinated people, here comes the delta variant.
What most people don’t know is that the CDC is making its recommendations based on new scientific evidence. Unfortunately, as we learn more about the different mutations, things will change creating distrust and confusion for people. That is just the nature of following the science, which could change as more information is understood.
Delta Variant and Masks
You see the Delta variant has left us with a lot of unknowns. Why do I say that we have a lot of unknowns? Just look at the United Kingdom, with its herd immunity of about 70%. Yet, the breakout of the Delta variant has caused an increase in cases and death. Although this increase is in no way as high as before the vaccines, we wouldn’t expect this increase with the number vaccinated.
Also, consider the Iseral studies of the Delta variant and the effectiveness of the vaccines. The Israeli data is showing us that the effectiveness of the vaccines is decreasing over time. People who were vaccinated in January have are less protected against the Delta variant than people who were vaccinated in April or June. It sounds like the effectiveness of the vaccines is wearing off.
The director of the CDC , and a member of the COVID-19 TASK force in American has voiced her concerns about a study that has not yet been published. She said that the “In recent days I have seen new scientific data…that has shown the Delta variant behaves uniquely differently from past strains of the virus that cause COVID-19.” She went on to say that fully vaccinated could transmit covid-19 as much as unvaccinated people.
Pregnancy and Vaccines
Pfizer and Moderna were recommended beginning at the 20th week of pregnancy in the United States. As of August 3, 2021, it’s safe at any stage of pregnancy, and during breastfeeding. However, some health care providers are recommending it sometimes earlier on a case-by-case basis after the first-trimester ultrasound. There is no safety data to date on the other types of vaccines.
That is why the other vaccines are not being recommended to date. This could change in the future, so don’t be alarmed if this happens but check the CDC site for the recommendations. Research has shown that pregnant women with COVId-19 are 10 times likely to dies from the virus.
Serverity of COVID-19 in Pregnancy
The initial trial did not include pregnant women, but the CDC VARES system has provided data on over 100,100 pregnant women who were vaccinated at various stages. The VARES system is a self-reporting system that collects data mot pregnancy and COVID-19 among other adverse reactions to the vaccines.
The information, so far, has shown that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe in pregnant women 20 weeks or more. There were no safety concerns noted in pregnant women and their babies, overall. Nevertheless, there have been a few casualties that the researchers have shown were no different than usual.
However, most organizations are recommending vaccinations for pregnant women before the third trimester. The third trimester until delivery is the most crucial time to make sure you are vaccinated to avoid severe symptoms which could be deadly.
Conclusion
Mothers who get the vaccines have been shown to produce antibodies that cross the placenta to the baby, giving the baby some protection against the virus. Although this is not medical advice, get vaccinated as soon as possible as recommended by your doctor and wear your masks consistently to protect yourself, daddy and baby. So what should we put masks back on? Because the Delta variant is really unpredictable at this point. Nobody knows the real-world expression of the Delta variant. Just do it, wear the mask consistently.