How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
September 7, 2022
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
September 5, 2022
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
September 1, 2022
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
August 26, 2022
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
August 25, 2022
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
August 18, 2022
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
August 12, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
August 9, 2022
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
September 5, 2022
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
September 1, 2022
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
August 26, 2022
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
August 25, 2022
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
August 18, 2022
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
August 12, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
August 9, 2022
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
September 1, 2022
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
August 26, 2022
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
August 25, 2022
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
August 18, 2022
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
August 12, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
August 9, 2022
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
August 26, 2022
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
August 25, 2022
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
August 18, 2022
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
August 12, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
August 9, 2022
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
August 25, 2022
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
August 18, 2022
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
August 12, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
August 9, 2022
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
August 18, 2022
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
August 12, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
August 9, 2022
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
August 12, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
August 9, 2022
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 08-12-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases School Treatments Vaccines VideosThose Nerdy Girls answer your questions about Monkeypox, masking at school, bivalent boosters, COVID-19 rebound, and more. Hosted by: – Malia Jones, PhD, MPH: Dear Pandemic Co-Founder & former EIC – Chana Davis, PhD: Dear Pandemic Contributing Writer & Founder, Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Monkeypox – How worried should I Read more…
If a variant has mutations in the spike protein, does that mean the vaccines won’t work?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
August 4, 2022
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
Tl;dr: mutations can make vaccines less effective, but that doesn’t mean they render them useless. Immunity isn’t all or nothing, and the current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease and death. Many have been concerned that because (so far) our COVID vaccines have used the spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (also Read more…
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
August 3, 2022
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements of all time and August is the month to celebrate! Vaccines do more than just protecting us from diseases (although that is pretty freaking great!). They also support a functional economy, keep kids in school and adults at work, reduce poverty, prevent disease outbreaks, improve health Read more…
Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
July 26, 2022
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
GOOD NEWS: Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon (September). LESS GOOD NEWS: Americans under age 50 will have to wait for these new shots to get their 2nd boosters. While there had been chatter about offering 2nd boosters to Americans under age 50 soon to stave off the rising BA.5 wave, the FDA Read more…
Vaccination rates are on the decline. We need to do better.
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
July 15, 2022
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
TL;DR: Vaccination rates are dropping and millions of kids missed vaccines during the pandemic. We need to get kids caught up now. Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccines are among the most important public health interventions of all time. We have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- Read more…
What’s different about the Novavax vaccine?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
July 13, 2022
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax’s vaccine is the newest player on the U.S. landscape. Public health folx are hoping that its approach will reassure some people who are otherwise hesitant Read more…
What are the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in young kids?
Families/Kids VaccinesChana Davis, PhD
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…
A: After the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, your child may experience mild, short-lived, side effects similar to those commonly caused by flu shots. Notably, many of these symptoms are NOT due to the vaccine’s active ingredients – they are just as likely after a fake vaccine (placebo)! The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) has been tested in Read more…