Get the vaccine shot but do not throw away the mask

THE message from all scientists is very loud and clear; that vaccines alone will not be able to stem the tide of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even after getting vaccinated, we will have to continue to wear masks, maintain physical distancing, wash hands frequently and avoid congregated settings to break the chain of transmission of the virus.

Some leading world scientists interacted with a select group of global health writers, including myself, ahead of the HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P) International Conference, that was to be held (virtually) over the last week of January and the first week of February.