Aug. 20, 2021
Dear Members of the Baylor College of Medicine Community,
In this week’s video, I review new data on the effectiveness of masks. We are seeing studies where different types of masks are evaluated and thoughtful discussion about how masks prevent the spread of COVID-19. The short answer is masks are effective, and I review the studies in detail.
Boosters continue to be a hot topic. As of now, immunocompromised individuals are the only ones who are recommended to get a booster. A new recommendation is expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, those who haven’t received their first dose of the vaccine are still an issue. The pace of vaccination is increasing in this latest surge, but only half of the total population of the United States is fully vaccinated. Or those 65 and up, the number increases to 81 percent.
Cases are at their highest rate in six months as the Delta variant continues to tear across the country. Vaccines are effective against the Delta variant, especially in preventing severe disease and death.
In Texas, 45 percent of the total population is vaccinated, 56 percent of those 18 and older and 77 percent of those over 65. Case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths have all increased.
The video this week goes through specific lists of what we know and what we do not know at this point about the virus. I hope you can watch it and send any questions to president@bcm.edu.
Paul Klotman, M.D.
President & CEO
Executive Dean
