Providing Clarity Amid Coronavirus Questions

By Dr. Henry Anyimadu, The Bristol Press

June 1, 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently changed its mask guidance for those who are fully vaccinated. The State of Connecticut also lifted certain restrictions put in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Henry Anyimadu, MD, infectious disease specialist at The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC) in New Britain is helping to provide answers and clarity to some of the questions and concerns people may have surrounding COVID-19.

Why did the CDC change the mask guidance?

It is very clear now that people who are fully vaccinated are much less likely to suffer from any severe complications, hospitalization or even death from COVID-19. Data also shows the risk of transmitting the virus to other people when you are fully vaccinated is very low. So putting all of that together, the CDC came out and said if you’re fully vaccinated you don’t need to wear a mask in indoor and outdoor settings. Fully vaccinated means at least two weeks after you received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and two weeks after the single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, there are exceptions to going maskless. People still need to wear a mask when they are in schools, healthcare settings, using public transportation, and other situations.

What if I am vaccinated, but worried about taking my mask off in public?

Right now the infection rate is very low. However, masking really depends on your comfort level. So if you are not ready to take off the mask or are still concerned, then wear your mask.

If parents are fully vaccinated and don’t wear a mask in public, what should they do about their young kids?

We know that children under the age of 12 cannot get vaccinated as of right now. We also know that young children are very unlikely to get severely sick from the virus – so the risk is low. However, because they haven’t been vaccinated we need to continue to protect them. If you’re taking your kids into a restaurant or store, you should have them wear a mask and physically distance so they are protected.

What is your advice to people who are hesitant to get vaccinated?

I think the benefits are clear right now. If you are fully vaccinated it’s very unlikely you will get severely sick from COVID-19, and your risk of transmitting it to someone is very low. This is a big reason why people who are still hesitant about getting the vaccine should go ahead and get it. If the majority of people in a community get vaccinated then you can reach more normalcy, which is an incentive. We know the vaccines are very safe and are working the way they are supposed to – so there’s no reason to keep waiting. Get vaccinated if you can.

Dr. Henry Anyimadu is an infectious disease specialist at The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccines and where to get a vaccine, visit www.hartfordhealthcare.org/vaccine .

Vaccines are available by appointment or walk in.