Is the shingles vaccine covered under my insurance plan?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Very likely yes. The shingles vaccine is $0 cost to people who have Medicare part D and most private insurance. For most people who have health insurance, the shingles vaccine is available at no cost, even if you haven’t met your deductible for the year. You have to meet the eligibility requirements laid out by the CDC: age Read more…
When is it time to stop driving?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Driving “retirement” doesn’t need to be a cold turkey process. It may look different for everyone, but proactive planning can save lives and preserve independence. Several options can make the transition smoother for you or a loved one. Identify specific driving concerns and engage in thoughtful discussions to help preserve independence, safety, and function. Driving Read more…
“Rebound” is a COVID thing, not a Paxlovid thing.
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For some people, COVID-19 symptoms can come back in the week or so after they initially recover. This is referred to as “COVID rebound,” which is just as likely to happen whether you take antiviral treatments or not. The CDC’s latest findings show rebound can happen regardless of whether someone has taken Paxlovid. The good Read more…
Are the updated COVID vaccines preventing severe disease?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Yes. The updated COVID vaccines are showing strong protection against severe disease in the real-world. Several new studies have estimated the effectiveness of the updated (XBB.1.5- targeted) COVID vaccines that rolled out this past fall. In the Netherlands, researchers linked data on hospital admissions to vaccine registry data for people who were at least 60. Their fall Read more…
What is the difference between an advanced directive and a living will?
Aging
Megan Madsen, DO
Multiple tools help people organize their wishes about the end of their life, including Advanced Directives and a Living Will. No matter how well you live your life, one thing we all have in common is that we eventually die. You should not wait until you are dying to talk about it. Talking about your Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Very likely yes. The shingles vaccine is $0 cost to people who have Medicare part D and most private insurance. For most people who have health insurance, the shingles vaccine is available at no cost, even if you haven’t met your deductible for the year. You have to meet the eligibility requirements laid out by the CDC: age Read more…
When is it time to stop driving?
AgingClara Ke, BSN, RN
Driving “retirement” doesn’t need to be a cold turkey process. It may look different for everyone, but proactive planning can save lives and preserve independence. Several options can make the transition smoother for you or a loved one. Identify specific driving concerns and engage in thoughtful discussions to help preserve independence, safety, and function. Driving Read more…
“Rebound” is a COVID thing, not a Paxlovid thing.
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For some people, COVID-19 symptoms can come back in the week or so after they initially recover. This is referred to as “COVID rebound,” which is just as likely to happen whether you take antiviral treatments or not. The CDC’s latest findings show rebound can happen regardless of whether someone has taken Paxlovid. The good Read more…
Are the updated COVID vaccines preventing severe disease?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Yes. The updated COVID vaccines are showing strong protection against severe disease in the real-world. Several new studies have estimated the effectiveness of the updated (XBB.1.5- targeted) COVID vaccines that rolled out this past fall. In the Netherlands, researchers linked data on hospital admissions to vaccine registry data for people who were at least 60. Their fall Read more…
What is the difference between an advanced directive and a living will?
Aging
Megan Madsen, DO
Multiple tools help people organize their wishes about the end of their life, including Advanced Directives and a Living Will. No matter how well you live your life, one thing we all have in common is that we eventually die. You should not wait until you are dying to talk about it. Talking about your Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Driving “retirement” doesn’t need to be a cold turkey process. It may look different for everyone, but proactive planning can save lives and preserve independence. Several options can make the transition smoother for you or a loved one. Identify specific driving concerns and engage in thoughtful discussions to help preserve independence, safety, and function. Driving Read more…
“Rebound” is a COVID thing, not a Paxlovid thing.
Infectious Diseases TreatmentsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For some people, COVID-19 symptoms can come back in the week or so after they initially recover. This is referred to as “COVID rebound,” which is just as likely to happen whether you take antiviral treatments or not. The CDC’s latest findings show rebound can happen regardless of whether someone has taken Paxlovid. The good Read more…
Are the updated COVID vaccines preventing severe disease?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Yes. The updated COVID vaccines are showing strong protection against severe disease in the real-world. Several new studies have estimated the effectiveness of the updated (XBB.1.5- targeted) COVID vaccines that rolled out this past fall. In the Netherlands, researchers linked data on hospital admissions to vaccine registry data for people who were at least 60. Their fall Read more…
What is the difference between an advanced directive and a living will?
Aging
Megan Madsen, DO
Multiple tools help people organize their wishes about the end of their life, including Advanced Directives and a Living Will. No matter how well you live your life, one thing we all have in common is that we eventually die. You should not wait until you are dying to talk about it. Talking about your Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
For some people, COVID-19 symptoms can come back in the week or so after they initially recover. This is referred to as “COVID rebound,” which is just as likely to happen whether you take antiviral treatments or not. The CDC’s latest findings show rebound can happen regardless of whether someone has taken Paxlovid. The good Read more…
Are the updated COVID vaccines preventing severe disease?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Yes. The updated COVID vaccines are showing strong protection against severe disease in the real-world. Several new studies have estimated the effectiveness of the updated (XBB.1.5- targeted) COVID vaccines that rolled out this past fall. In the Netherlands, researchers linked data on hospital admissions to vaccine registry data for people who were at least 60. Their fall Read more…
What is the difference between an advanced directive and a living will?
Aging
Megan Madsen, DO
Multiple tools help people organize their wishes about the end of their life, including Advanced Directives and a Living Will. No matter how well you live your life, one thing we all have in common is that we eventually die. You should not wait until you are dying to talk about it. Talking about your Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Yes. The updated COVID vaccines are showing strong protection against severe disease in the real-world. Several new studies have estimated the effectiveness of the updated (XBB.1.5- targeted) COVID vaccines that rolled out this past fall. In the Netherlands, researchers linked data on hospital admissions to vaccine registry data for people who were at least 60. Their fall Read more…
What is the difference between an advanced directive and a living will?
AgingMegan Madsen, DO
Multiple tools help people organize their wishes about the end of their life, including Advanced Directives and a Living Will. No matter how well you live your life, one thing we all have in common is that we eventually die. You should not wait until you are dying to talk about it. Talking about your Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Multiple tools help people organize their wishes about the end of their life, including Advanced Directives and a Living Will. No matter how well you live your life, one thing we all have in common is that we eventually die. You should not wait until you are dying to talk about it. Talking about your Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
It’s National News Literacy Week.
Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
🌟It’s National News Literacy Week!🌟 This annual event highlights the importance of news literacy and provides tools for being more savvy consumers (and sharers!) of news and other information. See more info about the week’s events co-hosted by The The News Literacy Project and E.W. Scripps Company (many of which are virtual and free) here: Read more…
I never had chickenpox as a child. Do I need the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Yes, even if you believe that you never had chickenpox as a kid, you should still get the shingles vaccine. CDC’s recommendation for shingles vaccine is specific about this. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for everyone over age 50 and certain younger people—whether or not they report any history of herpes zoster infection (chickenpox). Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 01/19/24
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls addresses what we have in store for you in 2024 and beyond. We’ll also answer some of your latest questions about COVID-19. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Executive Director at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder Read more…
Is the new RSV vaccine covered by insurance?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesRoopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
The new RSV vaccine is generally covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, with some conditions. Insurance coverage for the RSV vaccine differs by age. The RSV vaccine is recommended for: infants younger than 8 months during the RSV season whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy infants Read more…
What is COVID rebound?
Infectious DiseasesChana Davis, PhD
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
COVID rebound is like watching an encore to a show you disliked the first time. Just when you’re feeling better, COVID comes back, and you’re feeling crummy again. ➡️ The good news is that rebound cases are usually mild. ➡️ The bad news is that they can be contagious. So, if you notice new COVID Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious DiseasesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious DiseasesRoopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
