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. šš½ 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…
WHAT the heck is going on with booster shots?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Booster doses are coming soon for older adults in the U.S. and U.K who are 6 months past their 2nd dose. If youāre having a hard time keeping up with the data and discussion around 3rd doses or booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccines, youāre not alone! (And whatās the differences between a booster Read more…
BIG NEWS: Pfizer reports out on vaccine data for kids 5-11
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
š„ BIG NEWS: Pfizer reports out on vaccine data for kids 5-11 š„ And the data look good! Hereās the punchline via CNBC: ” Pfizer and BioNTechās Covid vaccine is safe and appears to generate a robust immune response in a clinical trial of kids 5 to 11, the drugmakers announced. The companies tested a Read more…
Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A quick reminder: Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine. š So who qualifies for a medical exemption from the vaccine? āļø Many people have received the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of this writing (200 million with at least one dose in the U.S.). There are no medical conditions that prevent people from Read more…
Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! It is common to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. In fact, vaccines such as a TDAP include three different vaccinations in one shot (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis in case you were wondering.) So why the change in guidance now? The CDC updated their guidance on August 31st removing the recommendation to Read more…
COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š Apropos of nothing…a Nerdy reminder that the COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence. COVID *infection*, on the other hand…. TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine 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. šš½ 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…
WHAT the heck is going on with booster shots?!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Booster doses are coming soon for older adults in the U.S. and U.K who are 6 months past their 2nd dose. If youāre having a hard time keeping up with the data and discussion around 3rd doses or booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccines, youāre not alone! (And whatās the differences between a booster Read more…
BIG NEWS: Pfizer reports out on vaccine data for kids 5-11
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
š„ BIG NEWS: Pfizer reports out on vaccine data for kids 5-11 š„ And the data look good! Hereās the punchline via CNBC: ” Pfizer and BioNTechās Covid vaccine is safe and appears to generate a robust immune response in a clinical trial of kids 5 to 11, the drugmakers announced. The companies tested a Read more…
Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A quick reminder: Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine. š So who qualifies for a medical exemption from the vaccine? āļø Many people have received the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of this writing (200 million with at least one dose in the U.S.). There are no medical conditions that prevent people from Read more…
Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! It is common to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. In fact, vaccines such as a TDAP include three different vaccinations in one shot (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis in case you were wondering.) So why the change in guidance now? The CDC updated their guidance on August 31st removing the recommendation to Read more…
COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š Apropos of nothing…a Nerdy reminder that the COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence. COVID *infection*, on the other hand…. TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A: Booster doses are coming soon for older adults in the U.S. and U.K who are 6 months past their 2nd dose. If youāre having a hard time keeping up with the data and discussion around 3rd doses or booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccines, youāre not alone! (And whatās the differences between a booster Read more…
BIG NEWS: Pfizer reports out on vaccine data for kids 5-11
Families/Kids VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
š„ BIG NEWS: Pfizer reports out on vaccine data for kids 5-11 š„ And the data look good! Hereās the punchline via CNBC: ” Pfizer and BioNTechās Covid vaccine is safe and appears to generate a robust immune response in a clinical trial of kids 5 to 11, the drugmakers announced. The companies tested a Read more…
Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A quick reminder: Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine. š So who qualifies for a medical exemption from the vaccine? āļø Many people have received the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of this writing (200 million with at least one dose in the U.S.). There are no medical conditions that prevent people from Read more…
Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! It is common to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. In fact, vaccines such as a TDAP include three different vaccinations in one shot (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis in case you were wondering.) So why the change in guidance now? The CDC updated their guidance on August 31st removing the recommendation to Read more…
COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š Apropos of nothing…a Nerdy reminder that the COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence. COVID *infection*, on the other hand…. TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
š„ BIG NEWS: Pfizer reports out on vaccine data for kids 5-11 š„ And the data look good! Hereās the punchline via CNBC: ” Pfizer and BioNTechās Covid vaccine is safe and appears to generate a robust immune response in a clinical trial of kids 5 to 11, the drugmakers announced. The companies tested a Read more…
Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A quick reminder: Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine. š So who qualifies for a medical exemption from the vaccine? āļø Many people have received the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of this writing (200 million with at least one dose in the U.S.). There are no medical conditions that prevent people from Read more…
Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! It is common to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. In fact, vaccines such as a TDAP include three different vaccinations in one shot (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis in case you were wondering.) So why the change in guidance now? The CDC updated their guidance on August 31st removing the recommendation to Read more…
COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š Apropos of nothing…a Nerdy reminder that the COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence. COVID *infection*, on the other hand…. TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A quick reminder: Most people can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine. š So who qualifies for a medical exemption from the vaccine? āļø Many people have received the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of this writing (200 million with at least one dose in the U.S.). There are no medical conditions that prevent people from Read more…
Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! It is common to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. In fact, vaccines such as a TDAP include three different vaccinations in one shot (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis in case you were wondering.) So why the change in guidance now? The CDC updated their guidance on August 31st removing the recommendation to Read more…
COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š Apropos of nothing…a Nerdy reminder that the COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence. COVID *infection*, on the other hand…. TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A: YES! It is common to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. In fact, vaccines such as a TDAP include three different vaccinations in one shot (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis in case you were wondering.) So why the change in guidance now? The CDC updated their guidance on August 31st removing the recommendation to Read more…
COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š Apropos of nothing…a Nerdy reminder that the COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence. COVID *infection*, on the other hand…. TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
š Apropos of nothing…a Nerdy reminder that the COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence. COVID *infection*, on the other hand…. TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What is the difference between āan additional primary doseā and a ābooster doseā?
VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A. Itās a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. šš½TL;DR. A Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection ābetterā than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If youāve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) š¦ SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. āļø The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say āthe fluā to mean a bad Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight ā working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. Weāve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virusā genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+š„
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16+, meaning it is a fully licensed vaccine and no longer under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). āWhat does this mean in practice? Full approval may tilt the balance for some āwait and seeā people on the fence about the Read more…
Why has a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines been recommended for immunocompromised people?
VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
A. Recent data has shown that a third dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosts a previous weak or undetectable vaccine response in some immunocompromised people. This additional dose can help push the immune response to protective levels in some immunocompromised people. A third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine Read more…
