3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
đź’ĄBREAKINGđź’Ą: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
Should I lie to get my not-yet-12-year-old vaccinated before school starts?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. This is a bad idea for a few reasons, which I’ll get to below. But first I want to offer some solidarity. As the parent of an 11-year-old looking at the start of 6th grade in just 3 weeks, I feel you. I know exactly how you arrived at this question. I also Read more…
Will the COVID-19 vaccines encourage the emergence of new variants or immune evasion?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news is that the emergence of variants that fully evade vaccine induced immunity is considered Read more…
Pandemic Heroines in the Kids’ Vaccine Trials
Families/Kids Vaccines Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
As we prepare for yet another back-to-school season amid massive pandemic uncertainty, all of us parents are anxiously awaiting the results of those kids’ vaccine trials. WHEN WHEN WHEN?? Well, there’s no news on that front. But while we wait, let’s honor the little (and big) heroines and heroes of those trials. Parents are taking Read more…
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The Janssen vaccine may increase the risk of Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS), but we don’t yet know for sure. Even if it does, the risk of GBS is extremely small. Currently, there is no evidence that the mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna) increase the risk of GBS. Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome is a neurological disorder that Read more…
How does natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection differ from immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. COVID-19 vaccines induce higher levels and a broader range of neutralizing antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein than does natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies are less likely to be affected by changes in the RBD seen in the current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and are therefore more likely to be more effective Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
đź’ĄBREAKINGđź’Ą: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
Should I lie to get my not-yet-12-year-old vaccinated before school starts?
Families/Kids VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. This is a bad idea for a few reasons, which I’ll get to below. But first I want to offer some solidarity. As the parent of an 11-year-old looking at the start of 6th grade in just 3 weeks, I feel you. I know exactly how you arrived at this question. I also Read more…
Will the COVID-19 vaccines encourage the emergence of new variants or immune evasion?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news is that the emergence of variants that fully evade vaccine induced immunity is considered Read more…
Pandemic Heroines in the Kids’ Vaccine Trials
Families/Kids Vaccines Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
As we prepare for yet another back-to-school season amid massive pandemic uncertainty, all of us parents are anxiously awaiting the results of those kids’ vaccine trials. WHEN WHEN WHEN?? Well, there’s no news on that front. But while we wait, let’s honor the little (and big) heroines and heroes of those trials. Parents are taking Read more…
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The Janssen vaccine may increase the risk of Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS), but we don’t yet know for sure. Even if it does, the risk of GBS is extremely small. Currently, there is no evidence that the mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna) increase the risk of GBS. Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome is a neurological disorder that Read more…
How does natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection differ from immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. COVID-19 vaccines induce higher levels and a broader range of neutralizing antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein than does natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies are less likely to be affected by changes in the RBD seen in the current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and are therefore more likely to be more effective Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A: No. This is a bad idea for a few reasons, which I’ll get to below. But first I want to offer some solidarity. As the parent of an 11-year-old looking at the start of 6th grade in just 3 weeks, I feel you. I know exactly how you arrived at this question. I also Read more…
Will the COVID-19 vaccines encourage the emergence of new variants or immune evasion?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news is that the emergence of variants that fully evade vaccine induced immunity is considered Read more…
Pandemic Heroines in the Kids’ Vaccine Trials
Families/Kids Vaccines Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
As we prepare for yet another back-to-school season amid massive pandemic uncertainty, all of us parents are anxiously awaiting the results of those kids’ vaccine trials. WHEN WHEN WHEN?? Well, there’s no news on that front. But while we wait, let’s honor the little (and big) heroines and heroes of those trials. Parents are taking Read more…
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The Janssen vaccine may increase the risk of Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS), but we don’t yet know for sure. Even if it does, the risk of GBS is extremely small. Currently, there is no evidence that the mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna) increase the risk of GBS. Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome is a neurological disorder that Read more…
How does natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection differ from immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. COVID-19 vaccines induce higher levels and a broader range of neutralizing antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein than does natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies are less likely to be affected by changes in the RBD seen in the current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and are therefore more likely to be more effective Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news is that the emergence of variants that fully evade vaccine induced immunity is considered Read more…
Pandemic Heroines in the Kids’ Vaccine Trials
Families/Kids Vaccines Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
As we prepare for yet another back-to-school season amid massive pandemic uncertainty, all of us parents are anxiously awaiting the results of those kids’ vaccine trials. WHEN WHEN WHEN?? Well, there’s no news on that front. But while we wait, let’s honor the little (and big) heroines and heroes of those trials. Parents are taking Read more…
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The Janssen vaccine may increase the risk of Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS), but we don’t yet know for sure. Even if it does, the risk of GBS is extremely small. Currently, there is no evidence that the mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna) increase the risk of GBS. Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome is a neurological disorder that Read more…
How does natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection differ from immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. COVID-19 vaccines induce higher levels and a broader range of neutralizing antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein than does natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies are less likely to be affected by changes in the RBD seen in the current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and are therefore more likely to be more effective Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
As we prepare for yet another back-to-school season amid massive pandemic uncertainty, all of us parents are anxiously awaiting the results of those kids’ vaccine trials. WHEN WHEN WHEN?? Well, there’s no news on that front. But while we wait, let’s honor the little (and big) heroines and heroes of those trials. Parents are taking Read more…
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause Guillain-Barré syndrome?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The Janssen vaccine may increase the risk of Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS), but we don’t yet know for sure. Even if it does, the risk of GBS is extremely small. Currently, there is no evidence that the mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna) increase the risk of GBS. Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome is a neurological disorder that Read more…
How does natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection differ from immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. COVID-19 vaccines induce higher levels and a broader range of neutralizing antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein than does natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies are less likely to be affected by changes in the RBD seen in the current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and are therefore more likely to be more effective Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A: The Janssen vaccine may increase the risk of Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS), but we don’t yet know for sure. Even if it does, the risk of GBS is extremely small. Currently, there is no evidence that the mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna) increase the risk of GBS. Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome is a neurological disorder that Read more…
How does natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection differ from immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccines?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. COVID-19 vaccines induce higher levels and a broader range of neutralizing antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein than does natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies are less likely to be affected by changes in the RBD seen in the current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and are therefore more likely to be more effective Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A. COVID-19 vaccines induce higher levels and a broader range of neutralizing antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein than does natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies are less likely to be affected by changes in the RBD seen in the current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and are therefore more likely to be more effective Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋‍♀‍ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do immunocompromised people need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A. Maybe. Emerging data suggest that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can induce a better immune response in some immunocompromised people. The CDC is expected to meet in the near future to discuss a possible 3-dose vaccine regimen for immunocompromised people. In the meantime, the CDC has stated that the current vaccine regimen may Read more…
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think I might want to get pregnant soon?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
A: Yes. The scientific evidence available to date points to COVID-19 vaccines being safe and effective during pregnancy and having no negative impact on fertility. While pregnant people were not enrolled in the vaccine trials, 23 people got pregnant during the Pfizer trial and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now Read more…
