Topline
Data shows the U.S. vaccination rate increased after the Centers for Disease Control updated its mask guidance on May 13—a positive sign for health experts who hoped that allowing inoculated Americans to return to a degree of normalcy might incentivize others to get the jab, though it’s not certain the new recommendation is directly responsible for the uptick.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: U.S. President Joe Biden removes his mask before speaking about updated ... [+]
Key Facts
On May 13, the CDC announced immunized Americans could stop wearing masks in most instances.
Following weeks of decline, CDC data shows the U.S. vaccination rate increased in the days after the CDC’s new guidance, with more than 2 million new doses administered on May 14, the highest level in a week.
The seven day average for first vaccine doses also increased modestly after the CDC’s announcement, though it has since declined slightly.
Search interest for vaccine.gov, a government website where Americans can look up vaccination sites by zip code, also surged following the CDC’s new mask guidance, according to data obtained by CNN.
Contra
A day before the mask guidance was updated, a CDC committee recommended 12-15 year-olds get the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 shot, meaning it’s not totally clear the mask guidance caused the spike. Millions of young teens have already received a Covid-19 shot.
Chief Critic
In the weeks leading up to the updated mask guidance, Republicans—and some health experts—criticized health agencies and Democrats for not being more lax about restrictions and guidance for vaccinated Americans. Republicans argued President Joe Biden was sending the wrong message about the efficacy of vaccines as he continued to frequently don a face covering. After Dr. Anthony Fauci called on vaccinated Americans to continue wearing masks in an April 18 interview, former Trump White House spokesperson Ben Williamson argued Fauci’s “TV appearances have been basically indistinguishable from a PR campaign to talk people out of getting a Covid vaccine.”
Big Number
50%. That’s the percentage of Americans who have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to the CDC’s tracker.
Crucial Quote
“After a year of hard work and so much sacrifice, the rule is very simple: Get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do,” Biden said on May 13 during a White House event. “It’s vax’ed or masked. Get vaccinated.” As recently as April, Biden had called wearing a mask a “patriotic responsibility.”
Tangent
States have tried a host of tactics to try and get more Americans vaccinated, including cash lotteries. Earlier this week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said the state’s $1 million lottery increased vaccinations by 45%.
Further Reading
CDC Says Vaccinated People Can Largely Stop Wearing Masks Indoors And Social Distancing (Forbes)
Covid Vaccination Campaign Off To Strong Start Among Young Teens, With Almost 2 Million Getting Jab (Forbes)
