Why Are We Still Wearing Masks?

We at the Acupuncture Center of Kalamazoo and our suite-mates, SWMI Health Matters, have either received both doses of COVID vaccine or are in the process of obtaining the same; but if you visit, you’ll find that we’re all still wearing masks. We’re also still maintaining distance, scrupulously washing our hands and continuously wiping down surfaces. It is easy to understand why there may be some question of why we’d go through all the trouble to get vaccinated if we still have to wear masks. 

The clearest explanation offered from the CDC for continuing to wear a mask, etc., is that we still don’t know enough about the potential of vaccinated people to infect others.

Even after you get vaccinated it’s important to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Moreover, If you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you may still be exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. After exposure, people can be infected with or “carry” the virus that causes COVID-19 but not feel sick or have any symptoms. Scientists also are working to learn about new variants of the virus. The primary goal of getting safe and effective vaccines out quickly is to keep us from getting gravely sick, being hospitalized on ventilators, and possibly dying. As more people get vaccinated and longer-term studies are conducted, then we’ll have a better idea if the vaccines also prevent us from being spreaders. 

Until then, we will continue to observe appropriate safety protocols and we encourage everyone to continue to follow these CDC recommendations: 

• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others

• Avoid crowds

• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces

• Wash your hands often