1. United States
2. Letter

I am writing to voice my strong support for universal masking in healthcare settings and faster, more equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that aerosol-transmitted diseases can spread rapidly and unpredictably. Many healthcare-associated infections and exposures could be prevented through robust mitigation measures like universal masking, improved ventilation, and clear isolation protocols. Universal masking, with healthcare facilities providing high-quality masks like N95 respirators to staff and visitors, is a vital protection. Relying only on symptomatic masking leaves patients, staff, and visitors vulnerable in waiting areas and common spaces. Masking is especially crucial to safeguard those who cannot mask themselves, such as infants and patients undergoing certain procedures. Layering universal masking with other precautions like routine testing, isolating infectious individuals, and upgrading HVAC standards would significantly enhance safety. Moreover, we must urgently accelerate access to COVID-19 vaccines across all communities. Vaccine coverage remains unacceptably low in many areas due to logistical barriers and disinformation. Prioritizing vaccine equity ensures no one is left behind and bolsters population protection. Healthcare settings should be modeling best practices in infection control through universal masking and facilitating vaccine access. Strengthening these efforts upholds the fundamental obligation to prevent avoidable illness and protect the vulnerable. I urge action to make healthcare truly safe from infectious disease threats.