Experts think the new new mask guidance may be too broad

Hello,

Welcome to Insider Healthcare. I'm Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer, back at the helm of this daily newsletter. Today in healthcare news:

• Experts told us the new CDC mask guidelines may be too broad;
• "Breakthrough" coronavirus cases in Yankees players tells us a lot about how the virus can spread in vaccinated people;
• Delaying a second Pfizer dose by 9 weeks could boost antibodies.

If you're new to this newsletter, sign up here. Comments, tips? Email me at lramsey@insider.com or tweet @lydiaramsey125. Let's get to it...

Vaccinated people can ditch masks and distancing, the CDC says. Experts think the guidance is overdue but may be too broad.

• Fully vaccinated Americans no longer have to mask up or distance at indoor or outdoor gatherings.
• The new CDC rule is overdue, experts said, but there are still circumstances that warrant caution.
• If you live in a hotspot or have unvaccinated kids, you may not want to ditch your mask yet.

Get the full story>>

The Yankees' 'breakthrough' COVID-19 infections are a case study in how the virus can spread among vaccinated people

• Eight members of the Yankees organization have tested positive for COVID-19 after being vaccinated.
• These kinds of "breakthrough infections" are usually mild or asymptomatic.
• Relaxed restrictions and the spread of variants may have increased the risk of an outbreak.

Here's what you need to know>>

Delaying a 2nd dose of Pfizer's vaccine by 9 weeks could boost antibodies to the virus, data suggests

• Delaying the second dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine could boost antibodies against coronavirus, a UK study suggests.
• The study tested a three-week gap between doses, as recommended by Pfizer, against a 12-week gap.
• The 12-week group produced three times as many antibodies

But: This doesn't necessarily mean delaying makes the vaccine more effective>>

More stories we're reading:

• This is a great read on SPACs, Clover Health, and "SPAC King" Chamath Palihapitiya (Bloomberg)
• The CDC's new mask guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, explained in one handy chart (Insider)
• 12 people are behind most vaccine hoaxes, the Center for Countering Digital Hate found (NPR)
• CDC: No need to physically distance if you're fully vaccinated (Insider)

- Lydia