This week’s “dose” of vaccine news! (10/16/21)
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
💥 The FDA Vaccines and Biologics Product *Advisory* Committee met on Thursday to discuss recommendations on a third dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine and on Friday to discuss a second dose of Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. 💥 The committee unanimously recommended a 3rd half dose of the Moderna vaccine for people over the age Read more…
I want to help my friends overcome vaccine hesitancy. How do I give a strong vaccine recommendation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Give a strong, clear, favorable recommendation; be persistent; listen with empathy; address concerns; and keep the door open to keep talking about it! Receiving a strong recommendation in favor of vaccination from a trusted source is one of the most important reasons someone accepts immunization. Each of us can be that trusted source for Read more…
💥 FINALLY…some new MIX AND MATCH DATA💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On the eve of the US FDA meetings some long awaited results from the US Mix and Match booster trial. TL;DR: ➡️ A boost of ANY vaccine raised antibodies a lot, no matter your first type of vaccine. ➡️ Boosting with an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) after an original Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced Read more…
Want to know more about infection vs. vaccine induced immunity to SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Immunologists who *really* do their own research on this topic have thoughts. Check out this infographic from the British Society for Immunology: TL;DR: ➡️ For most people vaccination will induce more effective & longer lasting immunity compared to natural infection. ➡️ Even if you’ve had COVID-19, vaccination will significantly boost the immunity you have from Read more…
The world’s first malaria vaccine is huge without being perfect.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malaria is, in a word, awful. And there’s a lot of it. And the new vaccine for malaria is honestly meh. It’s safe, but its efficacy is nothing to sing about. That said, even a little improvement in malaria prevention multiplied by several hundred million people means a huge positive impact. The newly recommended vaccine Read more…
Can pregnant people get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They Read more…
When can we expect a variant specific (i.e. Delta variant) booster shot?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
💥 The FDA Vaccines and Biologics Product *Advisory* Committee met on Thursday to discuss recommendations on a third dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine and on Friday to discuss a second dose of Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. 💥 The committee unanimously recommended a 3rd half dose of the Moderna vaccine for people over the age Read more…
I want to help my friends overcome vaccine hesitancy. How do I give a strong vaccine recommendation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Give a strong, clear, favorable recommendation; be persistent; listen with empathy; address concerns; and keep the door open to keep talking about it! Receiving a strong recommendation in favor of vaccination from a trusted source is one of the most important reasons someone accepts immunization. Each of us can be that trusted source for Read more…
💥 FINALLY…some new MIX AND MATCH DATA💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On the eve of the US FDA meetings some long awaited results from the US Mix and Match booster trial. TL;DR: ➡️ A boost of ANY vaccine raised antibodies a lot, no matter your first type of vaccine. ➡️ Boosting with an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) after an original Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced Read more…
Want to know more about infection vs. vaccine induced immunity to SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Immunologists who *really* do their own research on this topic have thoughts. Check out this infographic from the British Society for Immunology: TL;DR: ➡️ For most people vaccination will induce more effective & longer lasting immunity compared to natural infection. ➡️ Even if you’ve had COVID-19, vaccination will significantly boost the immunity you have from Read more…
The world’s first malaria vaccine is huge without being perfect.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malaria is, in a word, awful. And there’s a lot of it. And the new vaccine for malaria is honestly meh. It’s safe, but its efficacy is nothing to sing about. That said, even a little improvement in malaria prevention multiplied by several hundred million people means a huge positive impact. The newly recommended vaccine Read more…
Can pregnant people get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They Read more…
When can we expect a variant specific (i.e. Delta variant) booster shot?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
A: Give a strong, clear, favorable recommendation; be persistent; listen with empathy; address concerns; and keep the door open to keep talking about it! Receiving a strong recommendation in favor of vaccination from a trusted source is one of the most important reasons someone accepts immunization. Each of us can be that trusted source for Read more…
💥 FINALLY…some new MIX AND MATCH DATA💥
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On the eve of the US FDA meetings some long awaited results from the US Mix and Match booster trial. TL;DR: ➡️ A boost of ANY vaccine raised antibodies a lot, no matter your first type of vaccine. ➡️ Boosting with an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) after an original Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced Read more…
Want to know more about infection vs. vaccine induced immunity to SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Immunologists who *really* do their own research on this topic have thoughts. Check out this infographic from the British Society for Immunology: TL;DR: ➡️ For most people vaccination will induce more effective & longer lasting immunity compared to natural infection. ➡️ Even if you’ve had COVID-19, vaccination will significantly boost the immunity you have from Read more…
The world’s first malaria vaccine is huge without being perfect.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malaria is, in a word, awful. And there’s a lot of it. And the new vaccine for malaria is honestly meh. It’s safe, but its efficacy is nothing to sing about. That said, even a little improvement in malaria prevention multiplied by several hundred million people means a huge positive impact. The newly recommended vaccine Read more…
Can pregnant people get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They Read more…
When can we expect a variant specific (i.e. Delta variant) booster shot?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
On the eve of the US FDA meetings some long awaited results from the US Mix and Match booster trial. TL;DR: ➡️ A boost of ANY vaccine raised antibodies a lot, no matter your first type of vaccine. ➡️ Boosting with an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) after an original Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced Read more…
Want to know more about infection vs. vaccine induced immunity to SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Immunologists who *really* do their own research on this topic have thoughts. Check out this infographic from the British Society for Immunology: TL;DR: ➡️ For most people vaccination will induce more effective & longer lasting immunity compared to natural infection. ➡️ Even if you’ve had COVID-19, vaccination will significantly boost the immunity you have from Read more…
The world’s first malaria vaccine is huge without being perfect.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malaria is, in a word, awful. And there’s a lot of it. And the new vaccine for malaria is honestly meh. It’s safe, but its efficacy is nothing to sing about. That said, even a little improvement in malaria prevention multiplied by several hundred million people means a huge positive impact. The newly recommended vaccine Read more…
Can pregnant people get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They Read more…
When can we expect a variant specific (i.e. Delta variant) booster shot?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
Immunologists who *really* do their own research on this topic have thoughts. Check out this infographic from the British Society for Immunology: TL;DR: ➡️ For most people vaccination will induce more effective & longer lasting immunity compared to natural infection. ➡️ Even if you’ve had COVID-19, vaccination will significantly boost the immunity you have from Read more…
The world’s first malaria vaccine is huge without being perfect.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Malaria is, in a word, awful. And there’s a lot of it. And the new vaccine for malaria is honestly meh. It’s safe, but its efficacy is nothing to sing about. That said, even a little improvement in malaria prevention multiplied by several hundred million people means a huge positive impact. The newly recommended vaccine Read more…
Can pregnant people get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They Read more…
When can we expect a variant specific (i.e. Delta variant) booster shot?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
Malaria is, in a word, awful. And there’s a lot of it. And the new vaccine for malaria is honestly meh. It’s safe, but its efficacy is nothing to sing about. That said, even a little improvement in malaria prevention multiplied by several hundred million people means a huge positive impact. The newly recommended vaccine Read more…
Can pregnant people get the COVID-19 vaccine?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They Read more…
When can we expect a variant specific (i.e. Delta variant) booster shot?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
A: YES! In fact, the US CDC recently released a health advisory strongly encouraging pregnant people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness, death, and bad outcomes for the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who get COVID-19 are more likely to need ICU admission, need help breathing with machines and tubes, and even death. They Read more…
When can we expect a variant specific (i.e. Delta variant) booster shot?
COVID Variants VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
A: Variant specific boosters are currently being tested, but it’s not clear whether we need them just yet. Here is a run-down of ongoing trials: Pfizer/BioNTech has two Phase 2/3 trials ongoing, one with a booster designed to target the Beta variant (the one that emerged in South Africa in late 2020) and one that Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Boosters Live Q&A
Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
An all-new special Live Q&A at 9am Central Time Saturday, Oct 2! We’ll be talking ALL ABOUT BOOSTERS and answering your ❓’s about mix & match, ❓’s about timing, ❓’s about flu shots + COVID-19 boosters, ❓’s about boosters after you got COVID-19! So many ❓❓❓’s! ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-1:57) ➡️ Week in Review: Read more…
FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!!
Families/Kids VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!!! FDA will review the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-11 on October 26!! On October 1st, the FDA announced that it “anticipates receiving a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 Read more…
Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines VideosJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
A: The vaccine boosts your immune response and gives you better protection against new variants. ➡️ Most people who get COVID-19 do have some antibodies after they recover. ➡️ But the level of antibodies varies from one person to another… So some people have a lot of protection, others–not so much. ➡️ Immune response to Read more…
How are possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines evaluated and tracked?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
A: The vaccines have been shown to be safe (much safer than getting COVID-19!) and effective, but safety monitoring continues and remains a priority. Several existing and some new strategies were put in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Below, get ready to wade through some acronyms and we’ll outline a few of Read more…
J&J Vaccine: Real-world effectiveness and booster update
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
If you received the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, we have some mostly good news. Johnson & Johnson/Janssen issued data recently showing that in the real world, a single dose of the J&J vaccine was 77-80% effective for preventing moderate symptomatic infections and 79-84% effective for preventing hospitalization after several months. This was a Read more…
What should I do if I lose my COVID vaccination card?
VaccinesGretchen Peterson, Production Team
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
With Pfizer boosters now approved for certain groups in the U.S., this question has been popping up in our Question Box on the Dear Pandemic website. Some tips! (for U.S. residents) 💉 What if I got my shot at a pharmacy? Contact the provider who gave you the shot. Most vaccine providers do keep a Read more…
Who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading coronavirus researcher, kindly made this fantastic flow chart while preparing breakfast after a busy week of decisions in the US. The chart quickly summarizes who is eligible for a third dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine at this time. More information and decisions are expected in the weeks to come about Read more…
Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans.
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
DC Director overrules ACIP and also includes those at high risk due to occupational exposures. Update from this week’s ACIP meeting: ➡️ ACIP recommended 3rd doses for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients 65+ more than 6 months past their 2nd dose, and for persons 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. ➡️ ACIP voted NO on boosters based on occupational Read more…
Why do children have less severe COVID-19 than adults?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
A: A better innate immune response may explain milder COVID-19 disease in kids, but they still CAN and DO get infected and transmit SARS-CoV-2, especially the more transmissible Delta variant. 👉🏽 TL;DR. Children have fewer ACE2 receptors, a more robust innate immune system, and produce more anti-viral proteins (like type 1 interferons) than adults. These Read more…
