What happened with that Yankees COVID-19 outbreak? What does it mean for vaccine effectiveness?
Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines
Rachael Piltch-Loeb, PhD MSPH
A: While several vaccinated players tested positive, they were almost all asymptomatic. TL; DR- Nine members of the New York Yankees tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Among those who tested positive only one reported mild symptoms. These cases were discovered because the Yankees test regularly, unlike most other vaccinated Read more…
Series Finale of FB Nerdy Girl Live Broadcasts
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Join us on Saturday for the SERIES FINALE of our LIVE show featuring Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Alison Buttenheim. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the journey of the last year and next steps as Those Nerdy Girls begin to transition out of pandemic only mode. This is our last live hurrah for Read more…
How can I stand up for science on social media?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be civil. Focus on finding common ground. Choose your battles: You have greatest influence with those you know offline. Don’t waste your time on trolls. Good news: The science of science communication (yes, that’s a thing!) convincingly confirms that we all can help battle misinformation online. So what does the evidence say about the Read more…
Did a “lab leak” start the COVID-19 pandemic?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being unraveled. The leading theory is that SARS-CoV-2 jumped naturally from bats to humans (possibly through an intermediate species), as other viruses have done for ages. The lab-leak theory – an accidental spill from a research lab – is the underdog. It’s far less likely but Read more…
Nerdy Kids Get Vaccinated!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Two Nerdy Girls on the team took their kids 🚸 in the 12-15 year old age group to be vaccinated last week after the Pfizer vaccine 💉 was granted emergency use authorization-we asked them and their kids a few questions ❓about why they did and how it went! What was your main reason for vaccinating Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: My daughter has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and is on Remicade. Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade? A: People on some immunosuppressive medicines are showing weaker responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Remicade is one of many immunosuppressive medicines. People who are on immunosuppressive treatment may have Read more…
Has the COVID pandemic helped increase animal adoptions?
Families/Kids Reopening
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: While several vaccinated players tested positive, they were almost all asymptomatic. TL; DR- Nine members of the New York Yankees tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Among those who tested positive only one reported mild symptoms. These cases were discovered because the Yankees test regularly, unlike most other vaccinated Read more…
Series Finale of FB Nerdy Girl Live Broadcasts
UncategorizedAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Join us on Saturday for the SERIES FINALE of our LIVE show featuring Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Alison Buttenheim. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the journey of the last year and next steps as Those Nerdy Girls begin to transition out of pandemic only mode. This is our last live hurrah for Read more…
How can I stand up for science on social media?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be civil. Focus on finding common ground. Choose your battles: You have greatest influence with those you know offline. Don’t waste your time on trolls. Good news: The science of science communication (yes, that’s a thing!) convincingly confirms that we all can help battle misinformation online. So what does the evidence say about the Read more…
Did a “lab leak” start the COVID-19 pandemic?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being unraveled. The leading theory is that SARS-CoV-2 jumped naturally from bats to humans (possibly through an intermediate species), as other viruses have done for ages. The lab-leak theory – an accidental spill from a research lab – is the underdog. It’s far less likely but Read more…
Nerdy Kids Get Vaccinated!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Two Nerdy Girls on the team took their kids 🚸 in the 12-15 year old age group to be vaccinated last week after the Pfizer vaccine 💉 was granted emergency use authorization-we asked them and their kids a few questions ❓about why they did and how it went! What was your main reason for vaccinating Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: My daughter has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and is on Remicade. Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade? A: People on some immunosuppressive medicines are showing weaker responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Remicade is one of many immunosuppressive medicines. People who are on immunosuppressive treatment may have Read more…
Has the COVID pandemic helped increase animal adoptions?
Families/Kids Reopening
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
Join us on Saturday for the SERIES FINALE of our LIVE show featuring Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Alison Buttenheim. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the journey of the last year and next steps as Those Nerdy Girls begin to transition out of pandemic only mode. This is our last live hurrah for Read more…
How can I stand up for science on social media?
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be civil. Focus on finding common ground. Choose your battles: You have greatest influence with those you know offline. Don’t waste your time on trolls. Good news: The science of science communication (yes, that’s a thing!) convincingly confirms that we all can help battle misinformation online. So what does the evidence say about the Read more…
Did a “lab leak” start the COVID-19 pandemic?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being unraveled. The leading theory is that SARS-CoV-2 jumped naturally from bats to humans (possibly through an intermediate species), as other viruses have done for ages. The lab-leak theory – an accidental spill from a research lab – is the underdog. It’s far less likely but Read more…
Nerdy Kids Get Vaccinated!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Two Nerdy Girls on the team took their kids 🚸 in the 12-15 year old age group to be vaccinated last week after the Pfizer vaccine 💉 was granted emergency use authorization-we asked them and their kids a few questions ❓about why they did and how it went! What was your main reason for vaccinating Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: My daughter has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and is on Remicade. Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade? A: People on some immunosuppressive medicines are showing weaker responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Remicade is one of many immunosuppressive medicines. People who are on immunosuppressive treatment may have Read more…
Has the COVID pandemic helped increase animal adoptions?
Families/Kids Reopening
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: Be civil. Focus on finding common ground. Choose your battles: You have greatest influence with those you know offline. Don’t waste your time on trolls. Good news: The science of science communication (yes, that’s a thing!) convincingly confirms that we all can help battle misinformation online. So what does the evidence say about the Read more…
Did a “lab leak” start the COVID-19 pandemic?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and MisinformationA: The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being unraveled. The leading theory is that SARS-CoV-2 jumped naturally from bats to humans (possibly through an intermediate species), as other viruses have done for ages. The lab-leak theory – an accidental spill from a research lab – is the underdog. It’s far less likely but Read more…
Nerdy Kids Get Vaccinated!
Families/Kids VaccinesJoanna Dreifus, MPH
Two Nerdy Girls on the team took their kids 🚸 in the 12-15 year old age group to be vaccinated last week after the Pfizer vaccine 💉 was granted emergency use authorization-we asked them and their kids a few questions ❓about why they did and how it went! What was your main reason for vaccinating Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: My daughter has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and is on Remicade. Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade? A: People on some immunosuppressive medicines are showing weaker responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Remicade is one of many immunosuppressive medicines. People who are on immunosuppressive treatment may have Read more…
Has the COVID pandemic helped increase animal adoptions?
Families/Kids Reopening
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
Two Nerdy Girls on the team took their kids 🚸 in the 12-15 year old age group to be vaccinated last week after the Pfizer vaccine 💉 was granted emergency use authorization-we asked them and their kids a few questions ❓about why they did and how it went! What was your main reason for vaccinating Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: My daughter has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and is on Remicade. Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade? A: People on some immunosuppressive medicines are showing weaker responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Remicade is one of many immunosuppressive medicines. People who are on immunosuppressive treatment may have Read more…
Has the COVID pandemic helped increase animal adoptions?
Families/Kids Reopening
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade?
VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: My daughter has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and is on Remicade. Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade? A: People on some immunosuppressive medicines are showing weaker responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Remicade is one of many immunosuppressive medicines. People who are on immunosuppressive treatment may have Read more…
Has the COVID pandemic helped increase animal adoptions?
Families/Kids Reopening
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
Q: My daughter has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and is on Remicade. Is there any information on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people on Remicade? A: People on some immunosuppressive medicines are showing weaker responses to COVID-19 vaccines. Remicade is one of many immunosuppressive medicines. People who are on immunosuppressive treatment may have Read more…
Has the COVID pandemic helped increase animal adoptions?
Families/Kids ReopeningGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: TL;DR. Yes, initially, pet adoptions increased substantially. However, as many people are returning to their regularly scheduled routines of in-person school and office, there’s been an increase in the return of recently rescued pets. While some folks are regularly checking the charts for daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths, employees at animal shelters have Read more…
Am I the only one who missed regular medical appointments because of the pandemic?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying SafeVerdena Jennings, DO
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: No, you are not alone. Over half of those surveyed who needed to seek medical care during early the months of 2020 missed getting that care. In a national survey of 1337 people, 41% said they skipped general medical care from March through mid-July 2020. Numbers were even higher for people who needed specific Read more…
“Hamilton” Cast & Crew Required to be Vaccinated
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
With Broadway making plans to re-open in the fall, the production of Hamilton was the first to announce that cast and crew will be required to be vaccinated. The production will not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. The announcement comes as many universities are announcing vaccine mandates for students returning in the Read more…
How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental HealthChristine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/ImmunityMalia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact TracingLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Are the vaccines effective against new variants?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: Signs point to YES. While some emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are more concerning than others, so far the vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death. 💥 This means that while new “scariants” may make for eye-catching headlines, vaccines are still doing what we hoped to save lives and ultimately drive down transmission. Because of Read more…
Can pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
A: YES. The Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines are available to pregnant people in the US. A growing pool of evidence support vaccine safety for both pregnant people and babies. Many pregnant people have received the mRNA vaccine without evidence of unexpected adverse responses. Recent findings from a study published in the New Read more…
