With record numbers of summer cases and an updated COVID-19 vaccine imminent, we want to share some important updates to our vaccination policy at Devil Mask Studios.
We currently require at least one dose of the ‘23-’24 vaccine to participate in in-person Studio Events. This practically means a vaccination date of September ‘23 or more recent.
New Requirements Starting January 01, 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, we will require all attendees, instructors, and staff to provide proof of vaccination with the Fall ‘24 COVID-19 vaccine. This update aligns with the latest guidance from health authorities and is part of our commitment to maintaining a safer and community-lead environment at our studio.
We know that finding time to get vaccinated can be a challenge – that’s why we’re announcing this change early. We hope that announcing this four months out (at the time of publication), you have the time to schedule your vaccination at a time that works best for you.
Submitting Proof of Vaccination
We’re also changing our validation process slightly. You will have the option to either:
- Submit your proof of vaccination through this form at least two days in advance, or
- Show us at the check-in desk when you arrive for an event
You only need to submit your record online once, once it’s entered into our system you’re all set!
Why the Change?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shared that COVID-19 vaccines will likely follow an annual schedule, similar to the flu shot. This means that each fall, a new vaccine will be available to help protect against the most recent variants of the virus. By requiring the latest vaccine, we aim to ensure that everyone in our community is as protected as possible, especially as the virus continues to evolve.
Ongoing Precautions
We believe in a layered approach to risk mitigation; this policy update exists in addition to other precautions. Our efforts to be a COVID safer space include running multiple high-efficiency air purifiers; increasing airflow via an industrial HVAC system, fans and (when possible) open windows; providing KN-94 masks onsite; and encouraging attendees to stay home if they’re feeling sick. While none of these measures are individually sufficient, we hope that sharing them will help you in determining your own acceptable levels of risk.
Questions or Concerns?
We understand that you may have questions about this new policy or the upcoming vaccine. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our communities. We look forward to seeing you at the studio!
FAQ
I want to come to the Studio but I didn’t get the ’23 shot. I just got the ’24 update – am I good?
Yes! Your vaccination date must be September ’24 or more recent. The most recent update absolutely counts.
Why do I need to get vaccinated to come to the Studio?
The short version: taking care of each other matters. While COVID-19 vaccine programs are imperfect, getting vaccinated is still one of the best ways to take care of both ourselves and each other.
Why do I need an updated vaccine?
For the same reason we get flu shots every year – viruses evolve to overcome our immune defenses. Older vaccines were targeted at the variants dominant at the time of their design, which means they offer less protection against the current strains. Staying up-to-date is one of the best ways to limit COVID-19’s ability to keep spreading and mutating further. If enough of us get vaccinated, there’s a world where we don’t need a new shot next year.
What documentation do you accept?
We accept photos of the physical cards (with dates clearly legible) and screenshots of Digital Vaccine Records.
You can also show us the physical card in person!
What are you looking for on my record?
We’ll be looking for a vaccination date of September 2024 or more recent.
If your vaccination record includes the type of vaccine administered (i.e. SPIKEVAX 2024-25 (12Y UP) SYRG) you’re all set!
Can I bring a negative test instead?
We do not accept negative home/rapid test in lieu of vaccination.
While positive results on a rapid test are still reliable, rates of false negatives can be as high as 92% for folks who are contagious but asymptomatic. Even more conservative estimates (i.e. a 52% false negative rate) make relying on a rapid test a coin flip.
We do accept negative PCR tests taken within the last twenty-four hours.
What if I can’t get vaccinated?
We know that not everybody is eligible. Get in touch with us via email (nora at devilmaskstudio.com) and we’ll work with you to document your exemption from this requirement.
Why do you require COVID but not MPox or the flu?
- COVID-19’s Ongoing Impact: COVID-19 remains a significant public health concern, with the potential to cause severe illness and disrupt daily life on a large scale. Its high transmissibility, coupled with the possibility of new, more dangerous variants, means that COVID-19 poses a unique and ongoing risk.
- The Nature of Our Environment: Devil Mask Studio is a space where close physical contact and prolonged indoor interactions are common. These conditions increase the risk of transmission of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. While the flu and Mpox can also be transmitted in such environments, the specific risks associated with COVID-19—including its airborne spread and the potential for severe complications—warrant additional precautions than asking that anyone who is feeling under the weather stay home.
- Public Health Guidelines and Recommendations: Public health authorities, including the CDC, have prioritized COVID-19 vaccination as a critical tool in controlling the pandemic. The CDC has also noted that annual COVID-19 vaccines are likely to become routine, similar to the flu shot. The flu vaccine, while recommended, does not have the same level of emphasis or requirement for high-risk settings as the COVID-19 vaccine. For Mpox, the situation is different as the outbreak has been more limited, and vaccines are targeted primarily at specific high-risk groups rather than the general population.
- Community Expectations and Safety: Our community members expect and deserve a safe environment where they can focus on learning and connecting without undue worry about COVID-19. To that end, we’ve put in place a layered mitigation strategy. The vaccination requirement is a core piece of this strategy, balancing the need to protect against a highly transmissible virus with the practical considerations of running a community-focused studio.