How do I continue relationships with friends and family members with very different views on vaccines, masks, politics and life post COVID?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Help! Am I languishing?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Do not fear….Dr. Aparna Kumar, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, here to talk about this! 😿 What is languishing? It is living but having little joy, purpose, or aim. It is going through the motions of daily life but not feeling good about it and maybe even not being able to take the next steps. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
A: If you love them and want to continue to be in relationship with them, focus on the common ground instead of the areas where you disagree. From masks to vaccines, from coverups to conspiracy theories and beyond, global news (and all the politics that come with it) dominated personal conversation in the last year. Read more…
Some Good News – Cases falling in the US
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Help! Am I languishing?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Do not fear….Dr. Aparna Kumar, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, here to talk about this! 😿 What is languishing? It is living but having little joy, purpose, or aim. It is going through the motions of daily life but not feeling good about it and maybe even not being able to take the next steps. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
In the midst of CDC mask guidance chaos, some GOOD NEWS: ⬇️ Cases in the U.S. are down 23.6% in the past week to 35,442 daily cases (7 day moving average). ⬇️ Cases are down 85.8% since the peak of 250,037 cases on January 8, 2021. ⬇️ New hospital admissions are down 13.6% from the Read more…
Help! Am I languishing?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Do not fear….Dr. Aparna Kumar, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, here to talk about this! 😿 What is languishing? It is living but having little joy, purpose, or aim. It is going through the motions of daily life but not feeling good about it and maybe even not being able to take the next steps. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
Do not fear….Dr. Aparna Kumar, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, here to talk about this! 😿 What is languishing? It is living but having little joy, purpose, or aim. It is going through the motions of daily life but not feeling good about it and maybe even not being able to take the next steps. Read more…
Is the need to test different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in kids versus adults related to differences in body size or weight?
Families/Kids VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/Immunity
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
A: No. Testing of different doses in younger kids, compared to teens and adults, is related to potential differences in how the immune system responds to vaccines across different age groups. When we hear the word ‘dose’, we often think of medications. With medications, a certain level needs to be present in the blood for Read more…
Herd Immunity – Are we there yet?
Biology/ImmunityMalia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
We’re getting more and more questions about herd immunity–are we there yet?! Your own nerdy girl Dr. Malia Jones published an essay on Slate.com this week that’s all about herd immunity, and we know you’ll want to check it out! Three points to take home: 1. Herd immunity is a policy goal, not a light Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic and Alison Bernstein of Mommy, PhD and SciMoms are teaming up to talk blood donations, CDC mask guidance, kids’ vaccines, and herd immunity. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:58) ➡️ Will blood donation after vaccination lessen my immunity or provide immunity to the person receiving my blood? (2:00-3:30) ➡️ Read more…
Is the rest of the world catching up in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations?
VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
A. Many countries are doing better than before, but most still lag really far behind countries like Israel, the UK, and the US. Increasing global coverage of vaccinations will be key to getting COVID-19 under control not just outside the US, but even inside the US. As a recap of our previous posts on this Read more…
CDC Mask Recommendation Update 5/14/21
MasksAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
Q: What should I know about the new CDC recommendations allowing fully vaccinated people to lose the mask in most settings? A: The new CDC recommendations apply to fully vaccinated people only. This individual level policy change has complicated implications for population health. Like much of the last 15 months, nothing is written in stone. Read more…
CDC recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents age 12-15!
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adolescents age 12-15 following the May12th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Big picture: The vaccine is safe and effective for these kids and clinicians are raring to start giving the vaccine to this age Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and SpreadVerdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
Ohio Governor Announced Vaccine Lottery
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just announced a $1,000,000 lottery drawing each week for 5 weeks starting in late May Ohio residents 18 and older who have gotten at least one vaccine dose are eligible. A separate lottery for under 18s has a different prize: A full ride at an Ohio state university. Governor DeWine Announces Read more…
¿Cuál es la definición de vacuna?
VaccinesTita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
Sigo escuchando a la gente decir que la vacuna para COVID-19 ‘no es una vacuna’, entonces, ¿cuál es la definición de vacuna? ¿Las vacunas para COVID son realmente vacunas? R: Una vacuna es un producto que se introduce en su cuerpo con la intención de crear anticuerpos contra una enfermedad específica, dándole la capacidad de Read more…
Are there really COVID-sniffing bees?
Testing and Contact TracingLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
A: TL;DR. Turns out bees have great sniffers, just like dogs! Preliminary studies demonstrate up to 95% accuracy in detection of COVID-19 using multiple specially trained honeybees. Scientists of all stripes have stepped up to the challenge of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including scientists who specialize in insects with yellow and black stripes. Researchers Read more…
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15!
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
On May 10th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially extended its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to ages 12-15. ❓WHEN can my 12-15 year-old get their shot? While we’ve heard anecdotes of immediate availability, most providers will wait to book appointments for those ages until after the CDC immunization advisory Read more…
Can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot?
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
Q: If vaccine demand is waning, can’t we just offer incentives or lotteries to give reluctant folks an extra reason to get their shot? A: Lotteries and other incentives could be really effective for promoting vaccine take-up. There are some potential pitfalls, too. Even before there were COVID-19 vaccines, there were pitches and proposals for Read more…
Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment?
Mental HealthChristine Whelan, PhD
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
Q: I have trouble trusting that the United States is on the downward slope of this pandemic. Is being hopeful and optimistic a recipe for disappointment? Am I being alarmist or am I missing some key data? A: Optimism is healthy … even if it feels challenging right now. Years ago a friend of mine Read more…
