What exactly is in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? (And, what isn’t?)
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So here’s a handy guide in plain language. Both vaccines contain ingredients in four main categories: messenger RNA, a blend of fats, sugar, and a blend of salts, acids, and acidity stabilizers that keep the acidity Read more…
Why don’t we know whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: What is holding us back from knowing whether those who have been vaccinated can still be carriers of the virus and spread it to others? A: COVID-19 vaccine trials were designed to measure how well they protect people from developing moderate to severe disease, not how well they prevent spread of the virus to Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Masks Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Ashley Ritter and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pantyhose, vaccine safety, herd immunity, & keeping kids safer. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:03) ➡️ Should we be wearing nylon pantyhose over Read more…
Any updates on the vaccine’s efficacy against the new variants?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So here’s a handy guide in plain language. Both vaccines contain ingredients in four main categories: messenger RNA, a blend of fats, sugar, and a blend of salts, acids, and acidity stabilizers that keep the acidity Read more…
Why don’t we know whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus?
Infection and Spread VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: What is holding us back from knowing whether those who have been vaccinated can still be carriers of the virus and spread it to others? A: COVID-19 vaccine trials were designed to measure how well they protect people from developing moderate to severe disease, not how well they prevent spread of the virus to Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Masks Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Ashley Ritter and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pantyhose, vaccine safety, herd immunity, & keeping kids safer. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:03) ➡️ Should we be wearing nylon pantyhose over Read more…
Any updates on the vaccine’s efficacy against the new variants?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Q: What is holding us back from knowing whether those who have been vaccinated can still be carriers of the virus and spread it to others? A: COVID-19 vaccine trials were designed to measure how well they protect people from developing moderate to severe disease, not how well they prevent spread of the virus to Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Masks Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Ashley Ritter and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pantyhose, vaccine safety, herd immunity, & keeping kids safer. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:03) ➡️ Should we be wearing nylon pantyhose over Read more…
Any updates on the vaccine’s efficacy against the new variants?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Ashley Ritter and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pantyhose, vaccine safety, herd immunity, & keeping kids safer. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:03) ➡️ Should we be wearing nylon pantyhose over Read more…
Any updates on the vaccine’s efficacy against the new variants?
VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Thanks to our awesome partner Your local epidemiologist for this science-based debunking of some really dangerous and false vaccine rumors circulating recently. Update: Your local epidemiologist’s post reached a couple million people. The Facebook algorithm has removed it, so we’re just gonna paste the content here. #FactsMatter “COVID19 vaccines will destroy our lives” posted by Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
VaccinesMichelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
