Is dropping mask requirements for the fully vaccinated an effective way to encourage vaccination?
Is dropping mask requirements for the fully vaccinated an effective way to encourage vaccination?
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SciLine reaches out to our network of scientific experts and poses commonly asked questions about newsworthy topics. Reporters can use these responses in news stories, with attribution to the expert.
SciLine reaches out to our network of scientific experts and poses commonly asked questions about newsworthy topics. Reporters can use these responses in news stories, with attribution to the expert.
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What our experts say
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Expert Comments:
Rupali J. Limaye, PhD
On one hand, people may feel more incentivized to get the vaccine if they see that by getting the vaccine, they no longer have to wear a mask and can resume pre-pandemic activities. On the other hand, it may not be enough of an incentive to get the vaccine, and may signal to people that they can go maskless while being unvaccinated, as there is no way to know who is vaccinated and who is not. This could lead to a situation where those that are unvaccinated may be maskless in settings where there are other unvaccinated individuals, leading to higher risk of exposure.
Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH
Yes, it can be highly motivating for individuals on the fence about whether to get vaccinated that such requirements will go away once vaccinated.
