Is measles making a comeback?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Measles outbreaks happen every year but are becoming more common as vaccination rates decline. There have been several US measles outbreaks so far this year, including multiple in Florida, California and Washington state. Many began with an international traveler returning home, which is typical for measles outbreaks. Because measles is so contagious, vaccination rates need Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
Deer in the U.S. have the virus that causes COVID-19.
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
ETA: Trigger warning: this post contains real bad news and it also mentions deer hunting. *************** 🦌⚠️🦌 Deer Pandemic?! 🦌⚠️🦌 Scientists recently learned that TONS of white-tailed deer in the United States have SARS-CoV-2. More than a few curse words were spoken by infectious disease epidemiologists upon hearing this news. It is very important and Read more…
How does a pandemic end?
Uncategorized
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: I’ll borrow a phrase from T.S. Eliot. This is how a pandemic ends. Not with a bang but a whimper. There is no single indicator that a pandemic is over. In our modern times, we wait for a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare when a pandemic begins and when it Read more…
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19? Dr. Chana Davis, PhD from Fueled by Science explains as a scientist and a mom. It’s not just about helping us get to herd immunity, it’s about minimizing the risk to your child: “If you don’t vaccinate your kid ever…they will eventually get it.” https://youtu.be/oyhTSDShEx4 ICYMI, watch 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…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
Measles outbreaks happen every year but are becoming more common as vaccination rates decline. There have been several US measles outbreaks so far this year, including multiple in Florida, California and Washington state. Many began with an international traveler returning home, which is typical for measles outbreaks. Because measles is so contagious, vaccination rates need Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
Deer in the U.S. have the virus that causes COVID-19.
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
ETA: Trigger warning: this post contains real bad news and it also mentions deer hunting. *************** 🦌⚠️🦌 Deer Pandemic?! 🦌⚠️🦌 Scientists recently learned that TONS of white-tailed deer in the United States have SARS-CoV-2. More than a few curse words were spoken by infectious disease epidemiologists upon hearing this news. It is very important and Read more…
How does a pandemic end?
Uncategorized
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: I’ll borrow a phrase from T.S. Eliot. This is how a pandemic ends. Not with a bang but a whimper. There is no single indicator that a pandemic is over. In our modern times, we wait for a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare when a pandemic begins and when it Read more…
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19? Dr. Chana Davis, PhD from Fueled by Science explains as a scientist and a mom. It’s not just about helping us get to herd immunity, it’s about minimizing the risk to your child: “If you don’t vaccinate your kid ever…they will eventually get it.” https://youtu.be/oyhTSDShEx4 ICYMI, watch 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…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and MetricsKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
Deer in the U.S. have the virus that causes COVID-19.
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
ETA: Trigger warning: this post contains real bad news and it also mentions deer hunting. *************** 🦌⚠️🦌 Deer Pandemic?! 🦌⚠️🦌 Scientists recently learned that TONS of white-tailed deer in the United States have SARS-CoV-2. More than a few curse words were spoken by infectious disease epidemiologists upon hearing this news. It is very important and Read more…
How does a pandemic end?
Uncategorized
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: I’ll borrow a phrase from T.S. Eliot. This is how a pandemic ends. Not with a bang but a whimper. There is no single indicator that a pandemic is over. In our modern times, we wait for a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare when a pandemic begins and when it Read more…
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19? Dr. Chana Davis, PhD from Fueled by Science explains as a scientist and a mom. It’s not just about helping us get to herd immunity, it’s about minimizing the risk to your child: “If you don’t vaccinate your kid ever…they will eventually get it.” https://youtu.be/oyhTSDShEx4 ICYMI, watch 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…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
Deer in the U.S. have the virus that causes COVID-19.
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
ETA: Trigger warning: this post contains real bad news and it also mentions deer hunting. *************** 🦌⚠️🦌 Deer Pandemic?! 🦌⚠️🦌 Scientists recently learned that TONS of white-tailed deer in the United States have SARS-CoV-2. More than a few curse words were spoken by infectious disease epidemiologists upon hearing this news. It is very important and Read more…
How does a pandemic end?
Uncategorized
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: I’ll borrow a phrase from T.S. Eliot. This is how a pandemic ends. Not with a bang but a whimper. There is no single indicator that a pandemic is over. In our modern times, we wait for a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare when a pandemic begins and when it Read more…
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19? Dr. Chana Davis, PhD from Fueled by Science explains as a scientist and a mom. It’s not just about helping us get to herd immunity, it’s about minimizing the risk to your child: “If you don’t vaccinate your kid ever…they will eventually get it.” https://youtu.be/oyhTSDShEx4 ICYMI, watch 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…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
ETA: Trigger warning: this post contains real bad news and it also mentions deer hunting. *************** 🦌⚠️🦌 Deer Pandemic?! 🦌⚠️🦌 Scientists recently learned that TONS of white-tailed deer in the United States have SARS-CoV-2. More than a few curse words were spoken by infectious disease epidemiologists upon hearing this news. It is very important and Read more…
How does a pandemic end?
UncategorizedVerdena Jennings, DO
A: I’ll borrow a phrase from T.S. Eliot. This is how a pandemic ends. Not with a bang but a whimper. There is no single indicator that a pandemic is over. In our modern times, we wait for a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare when a pandemic begins and when it Read more…
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines Videos
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19? Dr. Chana Davis, PhD from Fueled by Science explains as a scientist and a mom. It’s not just about helping us get to herd immunity, it’s about minimizing the risk to your child: “If you don’t vaccinate your kid ever…they will eventually get it.” https://youtu.be/oyhTSDShEx4 ICYMI, watch 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…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: I’ll borrow a phrase from T.S. Eliot. This is how a pandemic ends. Not with a bang but a whimper. There is no single indicator that a pandemic is over. In our modern times, we wait for a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare when a pandemic begins and when it Read more…
Why should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines VideosWhy should we vaccinate our kids against COVID-19? Dr. Chana Davis, PhD from Fueled by Science explains as a scientist and a mom. It’s not just about helping us get to herd immunity, it’s about minimizing the risk to your child: “If you don’t vaccinate your kid ever…they will eventually get it.” https://youtu.be/oyhTSDShEx4 ICYMI, watch 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…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
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…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
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…
When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s?
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: SOON! FDA authorization is expected *next week* for ages 12-15 in the U.S., and Canada’s regulator has already given approval. Pfizer previously announced results from its Phase III trial in 2,260 adolescents. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL in the placebo group. ➡️ That’s a big fat Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Country update: India
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
India has been in the headlines over the past weeks for soaring case numbers, rising deaths, and a severely strained health system. What is happening, and how can other countries help? Let’s start with the numbers: For the past 4 days, India has recorded over 300,000 new cases *per day*, by far the highest number 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 VaccinesMalia 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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
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…
Any more examples of pandemic heroes?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: Yes! We love this story about cheesemakers and dairy farmers helping rural Wisconsinites get access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the name of reaching “curd” immunity! In rural communities, populations tend to be older and rates of co-morbidities that increase risk for severe COVID-19 tend to be higher. In addition, access to the internet Read more…
Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15!
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Vaccines
A: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
The company will soon apply to extend their emergency use authorization for this age group in the U.S and other countries. In a press release earlier today, Pfizer and BioNTech announced results from their Phase 3 study of 2,260 adolescents ages 12-15. Key results: ➡️ There were 18 cases of COVID-19 in the trial….. ALL Read more…
Based on information gathered from Emily Oster’s recent article in The Atlantic, can I consider it safe for children to travel and have unmasked/indoor playdates, especially looking ahead to summer?
Families/Kids Staying Safe VaccinesA: No. Dr. Oster’s article did not suggest that it’s safe for children to have unmasked playdates and return to 100% normal life this summer. As science journalist Tara Haelle put it, “it’s fine for your unvaccinated kids to go on a road trip and hug their vaccinated grandmas. It’s just not okay to pretend Read more…
What’s the latest on the vaccine timeline for kids?
Families/Kids VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: Best-case scenario: late summer/fall 2021 for older kids (12+); early 2022 for younger kids. All the usual pandemic-era caveats about uncertain timelines apply! We dedicate today’s TGIF post to all of the children and teens volunteering for vaccine clinical trials. Hooray and thank you! And thank you to all of the (adult) scientists who Read more…
Are COVID-19 cases going down globally?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
A: Unfortunately no. While there has been good news of late in the U.S. and U.K. with steep declines in cases, many countries in Europe and elsewhere are seeing rising cases and deaths. TL;DR: Don’t pop the champagne cork quite yet. While the vaccine roll-out in some countries is a triumph and likely slowing transmission Read more…
Is vaccine hesitancy declining?
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
There are lots of ways to define and measure vaccine hesitancy, but pretty much however you slice the data, about 1 in 5 adults in the US report being something other than gung-ho about the vaccine. That figure hasn’t budged for several months. But let’s back up just a bit. What exactly do researchers mean Read more…
