Any news yet about whether vaccines prevent asymptomatic infection?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: YES! We are getting a steady trail of clues hinting that the vaccines DO IN FACT REDUCE INFECTIONS! This is magnificent news, and badly needed as we pass half a million COVID-19 deaths in the United States and many hundreds of thousands more worldwide. We can celebrate it as a real milestone in the Read more…
Do people who’ve already had COVID-19 need BOTH doses of the vaccine?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Possibly not. One shot may work as an effective booster in those previously infected. Given the large number of people who have been infected by SARS-COV-2 in many countries and the continued scarcity of vaccine doses, understanding the impact of the vaccines on the immunity of those previously infected is an important question. Several Read more…
Dr. Alison Buttenheim Testifies Before Congress
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re interrupting your regular feed to bring you this shameless brag: On Friday, our co-founder Dr. Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, testified before Congress at a hearing of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, & Technology. The hearing, titled “Science of COVID-19 Vaccines and Read more…
Can you please help us understand vaccine efficacy vs. effectiveness?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Why yes we can! Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness both measure the % reduction in disease in the vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group. Vaccine efficacy measures this under *optimal conditions*, such as a vaccine trial, and vaccine effectiveness measures this in *real world settings*. How was vaccine efficacy evaluated in vaccine trials? In Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Mental Health Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Sandra Albrecht and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pet birds, what 95% efficacy really means, when safety measures are just too much, and what’s up with that CDC thing about vaccines wearing off in 3 months. If you have a question, put it in Read more…
Is it normal to have pain in my armpit or breast after the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Very possible and normal, specifically on the side you received the vaccination. Throughout your body, hundreds of lymph nodes work to filter your lymphatic fluid. When your body is mounting an immune response, after an infection or a vaccine, lymph nodes can swell with fluid. Lymph nodes are located all over our bodies, with Read more…
What’s in the vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca (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 COVID-19 vaccine made by Oxford-AstraZeneca. So here’s an explainer on the ingredients. This vaccine contains a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. It has been genetically modified so that it can’t infect you, and also so that it delivers Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
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…
A: YES! We are getting a steady trail of clues hinting that the vaccines DO IN FACT REDUCE INFECTIONS! This is magnificent news, and badly needed as we pass half a million COVID-19 deaths in the United States and many hundreds of thousands more worldwide. We can celebrate it as a real milestone in the Read more…
Do people who’ve already had COVID-19 need BOTH doses of the vaccine?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Possibly not. One shot may work as an effective booster in those previously infected. Given the large number of people who have been infected by SARS-COV-2 in many countries and the continued scarcity of vaccine doses, understanding the impact of the vaccines on the immunity of those previously infected is an important question. Several Read more…
Dr. Alison Buttenheim Testifies Before Congress
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re interrupting your regular feed to bring you this shameless brag: On Friday, our co-founder Dr. Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, testified before Congress at a hearing of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, & Technology. The hearing, titled “Science of COVID-19 Vaccines and Read more…
Can you please help us understand vaccine efficacy vs. effectiveness?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Why yes we can! Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness both measure the % reduction in disease in the vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group. Vaccine efficacy measures this under *optimal conditions*, such as a vaccine trial, and vaccine effectiveness measures this in *real world settings*. How was vaccine efficacy evaluated in vaccine trials? In Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Mental Health Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Sandra Albrecht and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pet birds, what 95% efficacy really means, when safety measures are just too much, and what’s up with that CDC thing about vaccines wearing off in 3 months. If you have a question, put it in Read more…
Is it normal to have pain in my armpit or breast after the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Very possible and normal, specifically on the side you received the vaccination. Throughout your body, hundreds of lymph nodes work to filter your lymphatic fluid. When your body is mounting an immune response, after an infection or a vaccine, lymph nodes can swell with fluid. Lymph nodes are located all over our bodies, with Read more…
What’s in the vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca (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 COVID-19 vaccine made by Oxford-AstraZeneca. So here’s an explainer on the ingredients. This vaccine contains a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. It has been genetically modified so that it can’t infect you, and also so that it delivers Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
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…
A: Possibly not. One shot may work as an effective booster in those previously infected. Given the large number of people who have been infected by SARS-COV-2 in many countries and the continued scarcity of vaccine doses, understanding the impact of the vaccines on the immunity of those previously infected is an important question. Several Read more…
Dr. Alison Buttenheim Testifies Before Congress
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re interrupting your regular feed to bring you this shameless brag: On Friday, our co-founder Dr. Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, testified before Congress at a hearing of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, & Technology. The hearing, titled “Science of COVID-19 Vaccines and Read more…
Can you please help us understand vaccine efficacy vs. effectiveness?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Why yes we can! Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness both measure the % reduction in disease in the vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group. Vaccine efficacy measures this under *optimal conditions*, such as a vaccine trial, and vaccine effectiveness measures this in *real world settings*. How was vaccine efficacy evaluated in vaccine trials? In Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Mental Health Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Sandra Albrecht and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pet birds, what 95% efficacy really means, when safety measures are just too much, and what’s up with that CDC thing about vaccines wearing off in 3 months. If you have a question, put it in Read more…
Is it normal to have pain in my armpit or breast after the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Very possible and normal, specifically on the side you received the vaccination. Throughout your body, hundreds of lymph nodes work to filter your lymphatic fluid. When your body is mounting an immune response, after an infection or a vaccine, lymph nodes can swell with fluid. Lymph nodes are located all over our bodies, with Read more…
What’s in the vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca (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 COVID-19 vaccine made by Oxford-AstraZeneca. So here’s an explainer on the ingredients. This vaccine contains a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. It has been genetically modified so that it can’t infect you, and also so that it delivers Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
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…
We’re interrupting your regular feed to bring you this shameless brag: On Friday, our co-founder Dr. Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, testified before Congress at a hearing of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, & Technology. The hearing, titled “Science of COVID-19 Vaccines and Read more…
Can you please help us understand vaccine efficacy vs. effectiveness?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Why yes we can! Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness both measure the % reduction in disease in the vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group. Vaccine efficacy measures this under *optimal conditions*, such as a vaccine trial, and vaccine effectiveness measures this in *real world settings*. How was vaccine efficacy evaluated in vaccine trials? In Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Mental Health Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Sandra Albrecht and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pet birds, what 95% efficacy really means, when safety measures are just too much, and what’s up with that CDC thing about vaccines wearing off in 3 months. If you have a question, put it in Read more…
Is it normal to have pain in my armpit or breast after the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Very possible and normal, specifically on the side you received the vaccination. Throughout your body, hundreds of lymph nodes work to filter your lymphatic fluid. When your body is mounting an immune response, after an infection or a vaccine, lymph nodes can swell with fluid. Lymph nodes are located all over our bodies, with Read more…
What’s in the vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca (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 COVID-19 vaccine made by Oxford-AstraZeneca. So here’s an explainer on the ingredients. This vaccine contains a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. It has been genetically modified so that it can’t infect you, and also so that it delivers Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
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…
A: Why yes we can! Vaccine efficacy and effectiveness both measure the % reduction in disease in the vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group. Vaccine efficacy measures this under *optimal conditions*, such as a vaccine trial, and vaccine effectiveness measures this in *real world settings*. How was vaccine efficacy evaluated in vaccine trials? In Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Mental Health Staying Safe Vaccines VideosIn this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Sandra Albrecht and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pet birds, what 95% efficacy really means, when safety measures are just too much, and what’s up with that CDC thing about vaccines wearing off in 3 months. If you have a question, put it in Read more…
Is it normal to have pain in my armpit or breast after the COVID-19 vaccine?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Very possible and normal, specifically on the side you received the vaccination. Throughout your body, hundreds of lymph nodes work to filter your lymphatic fluid. When your body is mounting an immune response, after an infection or a vaccine, lymph nodes can swell with fluid. Lymph nodes are located all over our bodies, with Read more…
What’s in the vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca (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 COVID-19 vaccine made by Oxford-AstraZeneca. So here’s an explainer on the ingredients. This vaccine contains a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. It has been genetically modified so that it can’t infect you, and also so that it delivers Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
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…
A: Very possible and normal, specifically on the side you received the vaccination. Throughout your body, hundreds of lymph nodes work to filter your lymphatic fluid. When your body is mounting an immune response, after an infection or a vaccine, lymph nodes can swell with fluid. Lymph nodes are located all over our bodies, with Read more…
What’s in the vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca (and, what isn’t)?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the COVID-19 vaccine made by Oxford-AstraZeneca. So here’s an explainer on the ingredients. This vaccine contains a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. It has been genetically modified so that it can’t infect you, and also so that it delivers Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
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…
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the COVID-19 vaccine made by Oxford-AstraZeneca. So here’s an explainer on the ingredients. This vaccine contains a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. It has been genetically modified so that it can’t infect you, and also so that it delivers Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
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…
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
What exactly is in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? (And, what isn’t?)
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesMalia 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
