People who have been vaccinated may think they no longer need to wear a mask or distance from others. Not true.

First, even highly effective vaccines aren’t 100% effective.

Second, we don’t yet know if the vaccine protects against infection or only against illness. In other words, a vaccinated person might still be able to spread the virus, even if they don’t feel sick.

Third, having some people not wear masks would undermine the public good that the more people who wear masks, the less the virus spreads. Practically, there would be no way, for example, for a shopkeeper to know whether an unmasked customer is vaccinated or not.

Finally, new strains may arise that evade the vaccine, although we certainly hope this will not happen.

Remember—even if it feels like it is, the pandemic isn't forever. Things will improve. The pandemic will end, although not nearly soon enough. We all must do our part. Vaccinate. Minimize indoor contacts outside home. Mask up. Improve treatment. Test and follow up appropriately.