Modelling data presented in early February suggests the more than 150,000 vaccines administered in B.C. are already bringing down deaths and hospitalizations, particularly among residents of long-term care. But two experts in immunology and genetics say preventing the spread of new variants requires us to stick with measures to reduce transmission. That involves wearing a mask, physical distancing and avoiding large gatherings. Without these actions, we could undo the vaccine’s protection as quickly as we get it. “If transmission stays high here, it could just as easily be a B.C. variant people are worried about,” said Jeffrey Joy, an assistant professor of medicine and expert in evolutionary genetics of infectious diseases at the University of British Columbia.