Any update on safety of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in pregnancy?
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Preliminary data presented to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are reassuring. Pregnant persons who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines did not have increased risk of side effects from the vaccines or bad outcomes (like preeclampsia, miscarriage, preterm birth, neonatal death, or congenital anomalies). More studies and safety monitoring are ongoing, but Read more…
March 18, 2021
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
March 17, 2021
Is it safe to go to the dentist?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Delaying preventative and emergency dental care can have negative consequences on your overall health. COVID-19 infection among dental health professionals remains low despite the close proximity to patients and open mouths. It’s important to 1) maintain risk mitigation strategies we can control in dental offices, 2) monitor local infection rates, and 3) stay Read more…
March 17, 2021
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
March 16, 2021
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
March 16, 2021
Since there have been deaths reported after people received vaccination, should I be concerned? I’m scared to take the vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No. In spite of sensational headlines, no deaths have been linked to receiving COVID-19 vaccination. And hundreds of millions of vaccines have been given. As of early March, more than 330 million vaccinations in over 120 countries have been given. In detailed investigative reporting of vaccine-related deaths around the world, DW (Deutsche Welle) a Read more…
March 15, 2021
Should we be sanitizing our groceries or letting them sit to “decontaminate” before we put them away?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
March 15, 2021
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: Preliminary data presented to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are reassuring. Pregnant persons who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines did not have increased risk of side effects from the vaccines or bad outcomes (like preeclampsia, miscarriage, preterm birth, neonatal death, or congenital anomalies). More studies and safety monitoring are ongoing, but Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
March 17, 2021
Is it safe to go to the dentist?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Delaying preventative and emergency dental care can have negative consequences on your overall health. COVID-19 infection among dental health professionals remains low despite the close proximity to patients and open mouths. It’s important to 1) maintain risk mitigation strategies we can control in dental offices, 2) monitor local infection rates, and 3) stay Read more…
March 17, 2021
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
March 16, 2021
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
March 16, 2021
Since there have been deaths reported after people received vaccination, should I be concerned? I’m scared to take the vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No. In spite of sensational headlines, no deaths have been linked to receiving COVID-19 vaccination. And hundreds of millions of vaccines have been given. As of early March, more than 330 million vaccinations in over 120 countries have been given. In detailed investigative reporting of vaccine-related deaths around the world, DW (Deutsche Welle) a Read more…
March 15, 2021
Should we be sanitizing our groceries or letting them sit to “decontaminate” before we put them away?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
March 15, 2021
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is it safe to go to the dentist?
Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Delaying preventative and emergency dental care can have negative consequences on your overall health. COVID-19 infection among dental health professionals remains low despite the close proximity to patients and open mouths. It’s important to 1) maintain risk mitigation strategies we can control in dental offices, 2) monitor local infection rates, and 3) stay Read more…
March 17, 2021
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
March 16, 2021
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
March 16, 2021
Since there have been deaths reported after people received vaccination, should I be concerned? I’m scared to take the vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No. In spite of sensational headlines, no deaths have been linked to receiving COVID-19 vaccination. And hundreds of millions of vaccines have been given. As of early March, more than 330 million vaccinations in over 120 countries have been given. In detailed investigative reporting of vaccine-related deaths around the world, DW (Deutsche Welle) a Read more…
March 15, 2021
Should we be sanitizing our groceries or letting them sit to “decontaminate” before we put them away?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
March 15, 2021
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: YES! Delaying preventative and emergency dental care can have negative consequences on your overall health. COVID-19 infection among dental health professionals remains low despite the close proximity to patients and open mouths. It’s important to 1) maintain risk mitigation strategies we can control in dental offices, 2) monitor local infection rates, and 3) stay Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
March 16, 2021
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
March 16, 2021
Since there have been deaths reported after people received vaccination, should I be concerned? I’m scared to take the vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No. In spite of sensational headlines, no deaths have been linked to receiving COVID-19 vaccination. And hundreds of millions of vaccines have been given. As of early March, more than 330 million vaccinations in over 120 countries have been given. In detailed investigative reporting of vaccine-related deaths around the world, DW (Deutsche Welle) a Read more…
March 15, 2021
Should we be sanitizing our groceries or letting them sit to “decontaminate” before we put them away?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
March 15, 2021
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
Have the various pandemic policies and behaviors affected urban rodent populations?
Data and MetricsLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
March 16, 2021
Since there have been deaths reported after people received vaccination, should I be concerned? I’m scared to take the vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: No. In spite of sensational headlines, no deaths have been linked to receiving COVID-19 vaccination. And hundreds of millions of vaccines have been given. As of early March, more than 330 million vaccinations in over 120 countries have been given. In detailed investigative reporting of vaccine-related deaths around the world, DW (Deutsche Welle) a Read more…
March 15, 2021
Should we be sanitizing our groceries or letting them sit to “decontaminate” before we put them away?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
March 15, 2021
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A. TL,DR In the immediate aftermath of the March 2020 safer-at-home orders and abrupt changes in restaurant activity, New York City saw a sizeable reduction in rodent complaints, but that decline was short lived. I’ll confess: this Nerdy Girl (Lauren) is terrified of rats. And early in the pandemic, there were multiple super freaky stories Read more…
Since there have been deaths reported after people received vaccination, should I be concerned? I’m scared to take the vaccine.
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesVerdena Jennings, DO
A: No. In spite of sensational headlines, no deaths have been linked to receiving COVID-19 vaccination. And hundreds of millions of vaccines have been given. As of early March, more than 330 million vaccinations in over 120 countries have been given. In detailed investigative reporting of vaccine-related deaths around the world, DW (Deutsche Welle) a Read more…
March 15, 2021
Should we be sanitizing our groceries or letting them sit to “decontaminate” before we put them away?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
March 15, 2021
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: No. In spite of sensational headlines, no deaths have been linked to receiving COVID-19 vaccination. And hundreds of millions of vaccines have been given. As of early March, more than 330 million vaccinations in over 120 countries have been given. In detailed investigative reporting of vaccine-related deaths around the world, DW (Deutsche Welle) a Read more…
Should we be sanitizing our groceries or letting them sit to “decontaminate” before we put them away?
Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
March 15, 2021
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: No. If you’re still doing this, you can safely quit this labor-intensive process! Just keep your hands clean. COVID-19 is spread via droplets in the air. Focus on cutting down on sharing air with people outside your household by keeping a generous physical distance, wearing masks, getting fresh air, limiting your contacts, and keeping Read more…
What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots?
Data and Metrics VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
March 14, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: So far there is no evidence that the risk of these events after vaccination is higher than would be expected based on normal rates. Several European countries including Ireland, Denmark and Norway have temporarily suspended use of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine as a precaution while they review recent reports of blood clots following vaccination. Meanwhile, Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Michelle Kinder
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
March 13, 2021
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
This week in Meet Those Nerdy Girls, we’re delighted to introduce Dr. Michelle Kinder, PhD. Dr. Kinder is a PhD-trained immunologist working in industry, where she studies immunology and cancer drug therapies. 🧪 She volunteered to join the Dear Pandemic team last August! We need to tell you right up front that what Dr. Kinder Read more…
1st Anniversary NG FB Live 3/13/21
Uncategorized VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
March 13, 2021
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
In this Live event, we’ll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Dear Pandemic’s launch on March 13, 2020. Co-founder Dr. Malia Jones will be joined by a whole mess of Nerdy Girls: Alison Buttenheim, Ashley Ritter, Jennifer Dowd, Lauren Hale, Sandra Albrecht, Amanda Simanek, Lindsey Leininger, Shoshana Abronowitz, and Gretchen Peterson. We’ll be reflecting Read more…
Happy birthday, Dear Pandemic! 3/13/21
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
March 12, 2021
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
It’s been a heck of a year. For us all. For me, for all of you readers, and for the whole Dear Pandemic team. A year ago, I never could have anticipated where this would end up. The ol’ Magic 8-Ball doesn’t have a response that says “29-woman strong mostly volunteer team fighting the #infodemic Read more…
Once I’m vaccinated, can I pass on the antibodies to my baby by breastfeeding?
Families/Kids VaccinesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
March 12, 2021
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
Q: I’ve had the vaccine and am nursing. Can I pass the antibodies along to my newborn? Would post-vaccine frozen breastmilk also benefit other family members? A: We are so glad you asked! Yes, we do have limited preliminary evidence that breastmilk can confer some protection against SARS CoV-2 to your newborn. Sadly, we don’t Read more…
Has there been a COVID-19 baby boom?
Data and Metrics Families/KidsLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
March 11, 2021
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: No. So far being cooped up at home has NOT led to more babies. Nerdy Guest Dr. Alison Gemmill answered a few questions about fertility during COVID. Dr. Gemmill (Assistant Professor; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) is a demographer who studies fertility and women’s and Read more…
What is the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and *approval* from the United States FDA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
March 11, 2021
Which vaccine is best?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: In a nutshell, both require a careful scientific review of the potential benefits and harms of a new medical product, but EUA’s are used to expedite this review in an emergency situation like a pandemic. The full approval process for these vaccines will start when longer & more follow-up data from trial participants is Read more…
Which vaccine is best?
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…
A: The one you can get today. Dylan from Northport, NY asked about the differences between the mRNA vaccines and the viral vector vaccines. Do we have a choice about which vaccine technology we get? Are there any reasons why one would be preferred over the other? Other questions are coming in fast and furious Read more…