This podcast is a lightly edited version of our Instagram show recorded on March 9, 2022.
Everyone needs friends who are willing to take off their masks and have honest conversations.
Masks Off Live is created by Dr. Natasha Burgert and Dr. Nicole Baldwin, two long-time friends who happen to be pediatricians. Grab a glass of wine and listen in as they share evidence-based science and practical parenting advice.
In this Masks Off?? Episode, Dr. Baldwin and I share tools we are using to navigate Covid risk during the next phase of the Pandemic. We break down the pre-print that inspired a terrible (our opinion) NYT headline about 5-11 yo vaccine. Plus, some we keep you updated on home tests and boosters.
References for this Episode
Minute 8: Our commentary on the new CDC community guidelines. (Spoiler: We are frustrated and confused, too.)
As we move forward, we are trying to combine individual and community Covid risk. Here are three tools Nicole and I are using to make personal decisions.
Covid-19 Event Risk Tool from Georgia Institute of Technology
Minute 21: How we are working through our own anxieties about unmasking.
Minute 28: Expert consensus continues to support the benefits of universal masking in schools to reduce disease burden. Here’s another study.
Minute 29: Concerns about vaccine effectiveness in the 5-11 yo age group, and why the NYT headline was crappy.
The myth of expecting ‘sterilizing immunity’ from Covid vaccination in this oldie but goodie from Katherine Wu.
Another reason boosters matter for kids 12 and older —> They restore vaccine effectiveness after expected waning of protection.
ICYMI: The dosing interval for 12yo+ Covid shots has been changed. Talk with your doc about dosing intervals and optimal timing of your kids’ shots.
Minute 39: An estimated 5.2 million children worldwide have been orphaned since the beginning of the Pandemic.
Minute 45: Home test were reliable, when used as directed, to detect Omicron.
Viewer question: How accurate are home tests as the background rates of virus decline? A reminder of how the test results needs to be taken in context.
Remember, you can order more free tests. Keep stashing them up for this fall and winter!
#MOL After Hours
Minute 59: Another insightful and entertaining rendition of your favorite pandemic game.. Hell No/Let’s Go!
Easter services?
Masks in medical settings?
Swim lessons?
Can an unvaccinated grandma meet the new baby?
Will there be a boost of illness after spring break?
Masks and planes?
Spoiler alert:
Viewer question: Your child is invited to someone’s house. What questions do you ask the host to decide if it’s safe to go? Our answers at 1:32.
Dr. Natasha is drinking a Spanish red, watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, reading about curling strategy, listening to Flow State and going meatless on Mondays.
Dr. Nicole is drinking tea (!!), watching Inventing Anna, reading and listening about Essentialism and is meatless everyday.
Masks Off Live is a passion project with zero budget and even less production skill. Despite these inherent challenges, we continue to be amazed when we hear the stories of how unscripted ramblings from two women has helped your family stay safe, sane, and healthy over the past 2 years. Thanks for sending these stories to us.
We appreciate all of you who listen, share and support the show. We hope to see all of you on the Gram for the next one.
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