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

<p>Last week, the CDC updated its guidance on mask-wearing in public for individuals that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The agency stated, "<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html">if you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.</a>" That means fully vaccinated individuals can wear masks indoors or outdoors if they choose to.</p><p>Unsurprisingly, this guidance was met with controversy. </p><p>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 <em>Health Affairs This Week, </em>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.</p><p><strong>Related Links:</strong></p><ul> <li> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html">When You've Been Fully Vaccinated</a> (CDC)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fauci-says-public-misinterpreting-latest-cdc-mask-guidance-n1268000">Fauci Says Public Is 'Misinterpreting' Latest CDC Mask Guidance</a> (<em>CNBC</em>)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-cdcs-mask-guidance-is-a-mess-biden-needs-to-clean-it-up/2021/05/16/a29c1080-b673-11eb-96b9-e949d5397de9_story.html">The CDC's Mask Guidance Is A Mess. Biden Needs To Clean It Up</a> (<em>Washington Post</em>)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00818">Community Use Of face Masks And COVID-19: Evidence From A Natural Experiment Of State Mandates In The US</a> (<em>Health Affairs</em>)</li> </ul><p>Subscribe: <a href="https://feeds.transistor.fm/health-affairs-this-week">RSS</a> | <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-affairs-this-week/id1542851834?uo=4">Apple Podcasts</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6PrckGFlwVI1QTNASEtaNQ">Spotify</a> | <a href="http