UPDATE ON mRNA VACCINES AND MYOCARDITIS:
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today (June 23rd) to review evidence of rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) following mRNA vaccination. 💥 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Scientists determined there IS likely an association between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) in adolescents and young adults—meaning the observed rates Read more…
Do I have the right to know if the health care workers taking care of me got the COVID-19 vaccine?”
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
General Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today (June 23rd) to review evidence of rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) following mRNA vaccination. 💥 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Scientists determined there IS likely an association between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) in adolescents and young adults—meaning the observed rates Read more…
Do I have the right to know if the health care workers taking care of me got the COVID-19 vaccine?”
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
General Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
General Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
General Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
General Health VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
Novavax Vaccine Update!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
GOOD NEWS TUESDAY–VACCINE EDITION! ➡️ TL;DR: 2-dose Novavax shows EXCELLENT protection, including against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant. ➡️ The vaccine is cheaper to produce than mRNA vaccines, stored at fridge temperature, and will be a great boon to global supplies. It’s been a while since we heard from Novavax, a “protein sub-unit” vaccine candidate from Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
What is the risk of teens developing myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination?
Families/Kids VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: Rare cases of myocarditis have been reported after mRNA vaccines, particularly in young men. Reported cases have been mild and treatable. 👉🏽TL;DR: Cases of myocarditis have been reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger men. All of these people recovered quickly after treatment. A definitive link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and myocarditis is Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
Pfizer moves forward testing a little-kid vaccine at lower doses!
Families/Kids VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Big news! Yesterday Pfizer-BioNTech announced that they have completed a Phase I trial to determine the best dose for their COVID-19 vaccine in younger kids, and they’re moving on to Phase 2/3 trials which will test effectiveness and safety in children ages 6 months to 11 years. The short version: the Phase 2/3 trial green Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
