I keep hearing all these new terms since the omicron variant came on the scene-can you clarify what all these words mean?
COVID Variants
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! Here are some explanations of many of the buzzwords flying 🦟 around right now….variant of concern, neutralizing antibodies, immune evasion and more! *Variant*: A variant is a version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has changes to its genetic sequence (i.e., mutations). These changes make it distinct from the other versions of the virus Read more…
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
Vaccines aren’t perfect, but they’re very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ⛲. On the heels of yesterday’s Omicron studies, (see summary here) Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ➡️ 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ➡️ A Read more…
Hope for the Holidays
Uncategorized
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A: Yes! Here are some explanations of many of the buzzwords flying 🦟 around right now….variant of concern, neutralizing antibodies, immune evasion and more! *Variant*: A variant is a version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has changes to its genetic sequence (i.e., mutations). These changes make it distinct from the other versions of the virus Read more…
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
Vaccines aren’t perfect, but they’re very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ⛲. On the heels of yesterday’s Omicron studies, (see summary here) Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ➡️ 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ➡️ A Read more…
Hope for the Holidays
Uncategorized
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
Vaccines aren’t perfect, but they’re very good.
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ⛲. On the heels of yesterday’s Omicron studies, (see summary here) Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ➡️ 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ➡️ A Read more…
Hope for the Holidays
Uncategorized
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ⛲. On the heels of yesterday’s Omicron studies, (see summary here) Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ➡️ 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ➡️ A Read more…
Hope for the Holidays
Uncategorized
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
➡️ The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ⛲. On the heels of yesterday’s Omicron studies, (see summary here) Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ➡️ 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ➡️ A Read more…
Hope for the Holidays
Uncategorized
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ⛲. On the heels of yesterday’s Omicron studies, (see summary here) Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ➡️ 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ➡️ A Read more…
Hope for the Holidays
Uncategorized
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ⛲. On the heels of yesterday’s Omicron studies, (see summary here) Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ➡️ 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ➡️ A Read more…
Hope for the Holidays
UncategorizedLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A friend recently asked me (Nerdy Girl Lindsey): How will you cultivate hope through the long winter months ahead? * My answer: My hope lies in the unsung grassroots heroes. The security guard pictured below, Cordarlye Frost, helping children feel happy and at ease at a vaccination clinic. The nurses in the ED, the librarians Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
⬇️ TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variant—about a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variants…this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants?
COVID Variants Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A: No. Vaccines REDUCE opportunities for viral replication needed for variants to emerge. Since the recent Omicron news, we are hearing this myth make the rounds again. ➡️ TL;DR: The virus has more opportunity to replicate in unvaccinated populations, creating a FAR bigger risk for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Even so, the good news Read more…
Update on Novavax
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
One of the more recent additions to the global COVID-19 vaccine roster comes from Novavax, whose vaccine is poised to hit worldwide markets and hopefully make a big difference in the big problem of global vaccine equity. 🌏 Novavax’s shot uses a tried-and-true technology: it’s called a protein subunit or acellular vaccine. It’s the same Read more…
What do we know (and not know) about delaying the second vaccine dose in kids?
Families/Kids VaccinesChana Davis, PhD
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
Here’s the short answer: ➡️ We DO know that the standard three week interval between first and second Pfizer-BioNTech doses is safe and effective in kids ages 5-11. It has been well tested and gives your child very good protection as soon as possible. ➡️ We DON’T know the safety or efficacy of delaying the Read more…
Talking to tweens/teens (ages 12-17) about the COVID-19 vaccine is difficult!
Families/Kids VaccinesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
Here are a few answers to common questions to help you talk to the young people in your life! ➡️ Do young people get COVID-19? Yes, they do. People under 18 make up 17% of all the COVID-19 cases we have seen since the start of the pandemic and almost 25% of the cases from Read more…
Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants?
COVID Variants Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A: NOPE. Virus mutations STILL don’t defy the laws of physics. TL;DR: Whether Omicron or Delta, all SARS-CoV-2 variants are transmitted the same way, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am sick?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Tis the season of colds and flu stacking right up on top of increasing COVID-19 infections. That means lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of Read more…
What’s new with Omicron?
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A: IT’S. STILL. TOO. SOON. TO. TELL. We know, the media panic level has been HIGH this week. But the truth is NO expert or TV pundit can predict what will happen with the new variant Omicron right now. We simply don’t have enough data yet on the key questions about the variant: 1) Is Read more…
CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters
UncategorizedJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
💥UPDATE💥: The U.S. CDC has updated its guidance to say that all adults over >18 SHOULD rather than MAY get a booster. As we wrote last week, we think the case for boosters is strong. Boosters provide increased neutralization of previously identified variants, which bodes well for Omicron. #BoostUp #VaxUp #WeCanDoThis Link to Original FB Read more…
Q: What can I share with Dear Pandemic on Giving Tuesday?
UncategorizedAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
A: Support for the work of Those Nerdy Girls comes in many forms. We hope you will participate in this season of giving with a gift to Dear Pandemic. Here are a few ideas on our wish list! ** Financial Gifts Dear Pandemic isn’t going anywhere. While our work was born in a moment of Read more…
