The government’s vaccine task force has suggested that once Hong Kong is 70 per cent vaccinated , masks might be unnecessary. While it is reassuring to see signs of progress towards concrete relaxation of measures, the continuing talk of vaccine “incentives” shows a peculiar confusion about the role of vaccines. An incentive is something offered to to motivate someone to do something that doesn’t otherwise benefit them. For instance, an employee might be offered a bonus for working overtime if, without it, there is no rational reason for them to do so. This is not the case with vaccination, which carries inherent benefits, and it twists logic to suggest rewards such as lotteries or theme park tickets are needed. The primary benefit of the vaccine is it protects the recipient and their close contacts. Thus, there is no reason for authorities to explore unrelated incentives or rewards, any more than they should reward individuals for exercising, washing their hands, brushing their teeth or putting on a seat belt. The correct action is to acknowledge that, based on studies involving the BioNTech vaccine, the vaccinated now pose minimal risk to society. As such, without very good explanation, any infringement of their liberties on public health grounds can no longer be justified. This month, the authorities have continued indiscriminate ambush quarantines irrespective of vaccine status . While measures have been relaxed slightly for those who have received two jabs, allowing them to quarantine for a week less, this late and partial measure suggests it is the authorities and not the public that exhibit vaccine hesitancy . What good is a theme park ticket if the vaccinated can still be sent to a quarantine camp simply for sharing an apartment block with a positive case? The muddled restaurant rules also suggest the authorities lack conviction. A confidently pro-vaccine stance would be to lift measures for those with a vaccine certificate, as has been done elsewhere. This is not to say there are no uncertainties associated with vaccination. Rather, it is to respect the current science. It is true some might experience side effects from vaccines, and this puts some off receiving the jab. But it’s also true that the BioNTech vaccine is effective against Covid-19 and its variants. Data might appear later to contradict these findings, but good policymaking does not ignore the weight of the latest evidence, particularly at cost to individual rights and the vaccination drive itself. If the authorities do not respect this and follow the evidence , they will soon look like advocates of science denialism. Such bold measures would need to be monitored. Also, some might have reasons they cannot take the vaccine, such as health issues or religious restrictions, and these should be respected. However, the vaccine must also be respected, especially if the inoculation drive is still the primary method for opening up the city again. To boost vaccination rates, let the vaccinated know they are not at risk of being sent to a quarantine camp . This is not about incentives, but about evidence. Others with mitigation letters might also be spared severe measures, with isolation at home and testing if they are at high risk. Some cases might still occur among the vaccinated, but the point is that evidence suggests the risk of severe infection will be low and cases will be manageable. Are we prepared to accept this and accommodate the risk that some cases will continue to occur if it means getting the population vaccinated quicker? The authorities have yet to show that they are. However, the city might have no choice if we wish to avoid being isolated from countries with more tolerant policies. Whether the city clings to a “zero-Covid” strategy or shifts towards herd immunity , we should avoid muddled reasoning and neglect of science. The evidence indicates that vaccination substantially lowers risk for the recipient and for their close contacts. If this is reflected in the appropriate lifting of measures, no irrelevant incentives will be needed. Edward Pinkney is president of the University of Hong Kong Public Health Alumni Society