Imagine, if at last night's #JointSession , President Biden allowed only vaccinated individuals. They could take off their masks, hug & sit together--just like 2019.

That would be the strongest message that vaccines = return to pre-pandemic normal. /1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/29/with-masks-distancing-bidens-speech-sent-wrong-message-about-power-our-vaccines/

Is this scientifically sound?

According to the CDC's own data, there were only 7,157 breakthrough infections among 87 million fully vaccinated people — a rate of 0.008%.

A room of 1,600 is unlikely to have anyone infected. Testing would reduce the likelihood to zero. /2

You wouldn’t know that the vaccines are so effective based on CDC guidelines.

A very damaging narrative is taking hold: If the vaccines are so effective, then why so many precautions for the fully vaccinated? What’s the point of getting inoculated if not much changes? /3

Trump's flouting of public health restrictions was atrocious. But Biden's message isn't right, either.

Over-correction has a price; at best, it makes public health measures seem performative rather than science-based. At worst, it calls vaccine efficacy into question. /4

Also, the CDC urgently needs to change their recs to clearly distinguish between events in which anyone can attend & events that allow only those fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination would allow concerts, theaters and virtually all businesses back at full capacity. /5

Our country's leaders could have sent an unequivocal message that vaccines are safe, effective & the key to ending the pandemic.

Instead, the American people got a different message, one that could impede the nation’s vaccine progress at a time when we can least afford it. /END