FAQ

People are doing it. They're telling lies to get shots that have not been authorized. What are the medical, practical and ethical implications?

The CDC has reversed its position that vaccinated people no longer need masks and recommends masking up again in certain settings. Does that mean grocery stores? What about roller coasters?

Here's what we know about the effectiveness of vaccines for variants of concerns, notably the Delta variant, first identified in India and now responsible for 20% of new U.S. cases.

While natural infection does seem to provide some immunity, studies suggest that it is short term. Vaccination, on the other hand, provides more robust immunity.

Ages 12 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the FDA and the CDC say. But when and where, and what about younger kids? You have questions. We have answers.

Let's say you are vaccinated. Do you have to tell everybody? Anybody? Is it legal (and ethical) not to share?

Some folks are taking their first vaccine dose in a two-dose regimen, then deciding to skip the second one altogether. Or maybe to delay it longer than suggested. Is this a bad idea?

Airports are getting busier, but the CDC hasn't issued new guidelines for vaccinated folks. What's a wannabe traveler to do? And is it OK to get a vaccine if you just got tattooed? Or have no spleen?

A reader wants to know about smoking's impact on the vaccine but didn't specify cigarettes, e-cigs ... or marijuana. So we'll discuss all three. Also: A refresher in painkiller/vaccine interaction.

The matter of masks on planes has led to some contentious moments — and serious consequences. Is it legal to ban a passenger from flying for violating a mask mandate?

The candle test is one way to assess (roughly) the effectiveness of a mask. If your mask passes the test, you can help it do an even better job with some simple hacks.

With cases on the rise, people want to know: How do I look after a family member who's been diagnosed and is at home? And how do I show support for a friend with the virus?