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…
February 9, 2021
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…
February 9, 2021
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…
February 8, 2021
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…
February 3, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
January 30, 2021
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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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?
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…
February 9, 2021
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…
February 8, 2021
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…
February 3, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
January 30, 2021
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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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
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…
February 8, 2021
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…
February 3, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
January 30, 2021
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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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?
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…
February 3, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
January 30, 2021
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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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 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…
February 2, 2021
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…
February 2, 2021
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…
January 30, 2021
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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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 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…
February 2, 2021
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…
January 30, 2021
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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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 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…
January 30, 2021
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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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 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…
January 29, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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
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…
January 28, 2021
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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?
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…
January 28, 2021
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened 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…
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
January 26, 2021
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
January 26, 2021
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
