Can we go to amusement parks this summer?
Families/Kids Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: A qualified “yes”! An outdoor amusement park can be a low-risk outing if you pay attention to context and use your SMARTS! Context matters, especially these three factors: 1️⃣ Do you have to travel a long way to get to the park? (Closer is better, no plane travel is better). 2️⃣ What is community Read more…
April 12, 2021
Do I still have to wear a mask outside?
Infection and Spread Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It depends. Remember that outside is much safer, but it’s not magic! ☀️ We’re all anxious to get outdoors as the weather improves. Shedding our masks along with our long pants is SO tempting. Because SARS-CoV-2 is most often spread through “swapping air” with others, ventilation is a key factor in transmission. 💨Outdoor air Read more…
April 11, 2021
If we have never achieved herd immunity with the flu, the common cold and many other diseases, what makes it possible to reach herd immunity with COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Some diseases are more elusive than others when it comes to herd immunity, and your two examples are among the elusive ones. In order to be a candidate for herd immunity, we need a disease caused by one specific virus. The virus has to be easily recognized by the immune system; it can’t mutate Read more…
April 10, 2021
What is happening with a second wave of COVID-19 in Brazil?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: A lot and it is not good. Brazil is second to the U.S. in terms of new daily cases and total deaths, but has a much smaller population. Brazil is now considered to be the epicenter of the pandemic. 👩⚕️ Over the past few days, Brazil has surpassed nearly 4,000 COVID-19 related deaths per Read more…
April 10, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, we’re teaming up with our science gal-pals at the Unbiased Science Podcast, Drs. Andrea Love and Jessica Steier! We’ll be answering reader questions about antibody testing after vaccination, viral variants & kids, #thrifting, and whether your COVID-19 vaccine can make you test positive for COVID. https://www.facebook.com/unbiasedscipod/ ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Comments Read more…
April 9, 2021
Is there some benefit to people publicly trumpeting it once they’ve been vaccinated, say, by donning stickers, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes, tasteful trumpeting could improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake by activating behavioral pathways. Images and stories are powerful tools in motivating social behavior. Stickers and other public displays of individual behavior can promote collective action (Think “I Voted” stickers). When trumpeting your vaccine, remain respectful of others with different perspectives and those who continue to Read more…
April 9, 2021
What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
April 8, 2021
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: A qualified “yes”! An outdoor amusement park can be a low-risk outing if you pay attention to context and use your SMARTS! Context matters, especially these three factors: 1️⃣ Do you have to travel a long way to get to the park? (Closer is better, no plane travel is better). 2️⃣ What is community Read more…
Do I still have to wear a mask outside?
Infection and Spread Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It depends. Remember that outside is much safer, but it’s not magic! ☀️ We’re all anxious to get outdoors as the weather improves. Shedding our masks along with our long pants is SO tempting. Because SARS-CoV-2 is most often spread through “swapping air” with others, ventilation is a key factor in transmission. 💨Outdoor air Read more…
April 11, 2021
If we have never achieved herd immunity with the flu, the common cold and many other diseases, what makes it possible to reach herd immunity with COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Some diseases are more elusive than others when it comes to herd immunity, and your two examples are among the elusive ones. In order to be a candidate for herd immunity, we need a disease caused by one specific virus. The virus has to be easily recognized by the immune system; it can’t mutate Read more…
April 10, 2021
What is happening with a second wave of COVID-19 in Brazil?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: A lot and it is not good. Brazil is second to the U.S. in terms of new daily cases and total deaths, but has a much smaller population. Brazil is now considered to be the epicenter of the pandemic. 👩⚕️ Over the past few days, Brazil has surpassed nearly 4,000 COVID-19 related deaths per Read more…
April 10, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, we’re teaming up with our science gal-pals at the Unbiased Science Podcast, Drs. Andrea Love and Jessica Steier! We’ll be answering reader questions about antibody testing after vaccination, viral variants & kids, #thrifting, and whether your COVID-19 vaccine can make you test positive for COVID. https://www.facebook.com/unbiasedscipod/ ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Comments Read more…
April 9, 2021
Is there some benefit to people publicly trumpeting it once they’ve been vaccinated, say, by donning stickers, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes, tasteful trumpeting could improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake by activating behavioral pathways. Images and stories are powerful tools in motivating social behavior. Stickers and other public displays of individual behavior can promote collective action (Think “I Voted” stickers). When trumpeting your vaccine, remain respectful of others with different perspectives and those who continue to Read more…
April 9, 2021
What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
April 8, 2021
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: It depends. Remember that outside is much safer, but it’s not magic! ☀️ We’re all anxious to get outdoors as the weather improves. Shedding our masks along with our long pants is SO tempting. Because SARS-CoV-2 is most often spread through “swapping air” with others, ventilation is a key factor in transmission. 💨Outdoor air Read more…
If we have never achieved herd immunity with the flu, the common cold and many other diseases, what makes it possible to reach herd immunity with COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Some diseases are more elusive than others when it comes to herd immunity, and your two examples are among the elusive ones. In order to be a candidate for herd immunity, we need a disease caused by one specific virus. The virus has to be easily recognized by the immune system; it can’t mutate Read more…
April 10, 2021
What is happening with a second wave of COVID-19 in Brazil?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: A lot and it is not good. Brazil is second to the U.S. in terms of new daily cases and total deaths, but has a much smaller population. Brazil is now considered to be the epicenter of the pandemic. 👩⚕️ Over the past few days, Brazil has surpassed nearly 4,000 COVID-19 related deaths per Read more…
April 10, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, we’re teaming up with our science gal-pals at the Unbiased Science Podcast, Drs. Andrea Love and Jessica Steier! We’ll be answering reader questions about antibody testing after vaccination, viral variants & kids, #thrifting, and whether your COVID-19 vaccine can make you test positive for COVID. https://www.facebook.com/unbiasedscipod/ ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Comments Read more…
April 9, 2021
Is there some benefit to people publicly trumpeting it once they’ve been vaccinated, say, by donning stickers, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes, tasteful trumpeting could improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake by activating behavioral pathways. Images and stories are powerful tools in motivating social behavior. Stickers and other public displays of individual behavior can promote collective action (Think “I Voted” stickers). When trumpeting your vaccine, remain respectful of others with different perspectives and those who continue to Read more…
April 9, 2021
What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
April 8, 2021
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: Some diseases are more elusive than others when it comes to herd immunity, and your two examples are among the elusive ones. In order to be a candidate for herd immunity, we need a disease caused by one specific virus. The virus has to be easily recognized by the immune system; it can’t mutate Read more…
What is happening with a second wave of COVID-19 in Brazil?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: A lot and it is not good. Brazil is second to the U.S. in terms of new daily cases and total deaths, but has a much smaller population. Brazil is now considered to be the epicenter of the pandemic. 👩⚕️ Over the past few days, Brazil has surpassed nearly 4,000 COVID-19 related deaths per Read more…
April 10, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, we’re teaming up with our science gal-pals at the Unbiased Science Podcast, Drs. Andrea Love and Jessica Steier! We’ll be answering reader questions about antibody testing after vaccination, viral variants & kids, #thrifting, and whether your COVID-19 vaccine can make you test positive for COVID. https://www.facebook.com/unbiasedscipod/ ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Comments Read more…
April 9, 2021
Is there some benefit to people publicly trumpeting it once they’ve been vaccinated, say, by donning stickers, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes, tasteful trumpeting could improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake by activating behavioral pathways. Images and stories are powerful tools in motivating social behavior. Stickers and other public displays of individual behavior can promote collective action (Think “I Voted” stickers). When trumpeting your vaccine, remain respectful of others with different perspectives and those who continue to Read more…
April 9, 2021
What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
April 8, 2021
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: A lot and it is not good. Brazil is second to the U.S. in terms of new daily cases and total deaths, but has a much smaller population. Brazil is now considered to be the epicenter of the pandemic. 👩⚕️ Over the past few days, Brazil has surpassed nearly 4,000 COVID-19 related deaths per Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, we’re teaming up with our science gal-pals at the Unbiased Science Podcast, Drs. Andrea Love and Jessica Steier! We’ll be answering reader questions about antibody testing after vaccination, viral variants & kids, #thrifting, and whether your COVID-19 vaccine can make you test positive for COVID. https://www.facebook.com/unbiasedscipod/ ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Comments Read more…
April 9, 2021
Is there some benefit to people publicly trumpeting it once they’ve been vaccinated, say, by donning stickers, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes, tasteful trumpeting could improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake by activating behavioral pathways. Images and stories are powerful tools in motivating social behavior. Stickers and other public displays of individual behavior can promote collective action (Think “I Voted” stickers). When trumpeting your vaccine, remain respectful of others with different perspectives and those who continue to Read more…
April 9, 2021
What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
April 8, 2021
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
In this live Q&A, we’re teaming up with our science gal-pals at the Unbiased Science Podcast, Drs. Andrea Love and Jessica Steier! We’ll be answering reader questions about antibody testing after vaccination, viral variants & kids, #thrifting, and whether your COVID-19 vaccine can make you test positive for COVID. https://www.facebook.com/unbiasedscipod/ ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Comments Read more…
Is there some benefit to people publicly trumpeting it once they’ve been vaccinated, say, by donning stickers, buttons, bumper stickers, etc.?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes, tasteful trumpeting could improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake by activating behavioral pathways. Images and stories are powerful tools in motivating social behavior. Stickers and other public displays of individual behavior can promote collective action (Think “I Voted” stickers). When trumpeting your vaccine, remain respectful of others with different perspectives and those who continue to Read more…
April 9, 2021
What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
April 8, 2021
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: Yes, tasteful trumpeting could improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake by activating behavioral pathways. Images and stories are powerful tools in motivating social behavior. Stickers and other public displays of individual behavior can promote collective action (Think “I Voted” stickers). When trumpeting your vaccine, remain respectful of others with different perspectives and those who continue to Read more…
What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
April 8, 2021
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks for European and UK vaccine regulators. TL;DR: ➡️ Investigations continue into a possible link between the Astrazeneca vaccine and a very rare type of blood clot. ➡️ Both the UK and EU regulators continue to emphasize that vaccine prevents COVID-19 disease, and the benefits of the vaccine Read more…
Does 95% efficacy mean I have a 5% chance of catching COVID after I’m vaccinated?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
April 8, 2021
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
Not exactly, no. The A+ efficacy results of the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials mean that as a group, vaccinated people have *a lot* of protection from getting COVID-19. But we can’t say that any one person has a level of protection that is equal to the efficacy numbers. There are a thousand things that Read more…
What are the current trends in MIS-C?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
April 7, 2021
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, is possible when kids with COVID-19 get really sick and different body parts (like the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or gut) become inflamed and damaged. It is a rare, but very serious, medical problem. Though kids are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, as the Read more…
Who developed the COVID-19 vaccine distributed by Moderna?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
April 6, 2021
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: After 6 years of working on a vaccine for novel corona viruses Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett and her team found success. She is our nerdy-girl Pandemic Hero this week. Dr. Corbett is a 34 year old Black American scientist. She is a viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Read more…
How’s the job market recovery going?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
April 6, 2021
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A: “Great trend, but terrible levels.” That’s the TL;DR from well-respected labor economist Aaron Sojourner in response to last week’s release of the March 2021 jobs report. 👍🏼 The good news: The numbers roundly beat Dow Jones expectations. (Expectations: 675k added jobs; Actuals: over 900k added jobs). Yay! 👎🏼 The less good news: The economy Read more…
What do we know about the COVID-19 vaccines in people who are immunosuppressed?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
April 5, 2021
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
A. While data on the relative effectiveness in these groups is still limited, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for immunosuppressed people and help protect against severe COVID-19 disease. TL;DR: ➡️ None of the vaccines contain live virus and cannot cause infection. ➡️ Even if immune response is lower in the immunosuppressed, the vaccine will induce some Read more…
This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought.
Mental Health Socializing
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
April 5, 2021
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
Q: I met up with friends in person for the first time in a year. It was so awkward. Help! This re-socializing thing is harder than I thought. A: Pandemic introspection has taught some of us important lessons… and made many of us rusty on other-focused social skills. Embrace timeless advice from Dale Carnegie’s How Read more…
How long will the protection from vaccines last?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
April 4, 2021
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
Q: How long will the protection from vaccines last? I just got my vaccine (yay!), when will I be at risk again? A: Still TBD, but Pfizer just released data showing high protection for UP TO 6 months. ⚠️ NOTE: This does NOT mean ONLY 6 months, it means….AT LEAST 6 months! Most scientists believe Read more…
Is the J&J 1-dose vaccine really as good as the 2-dose vaccines?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…
Q: I feel like I’m doing something wrong with the 1-dose J&J vaccine… like I’m cheating. Is it REALLY as good as the 2-dose vaccines? A: Yes, it’s really as good! The J&J vaccine prevented hospitalization and death from COVID-19 extremely well in the trials. The decision to go with 1 dose was based on Read more…