RFK Jr. says annual COVID-19 shots no longer advised for healthy children and pregnant women – a public health expert explains the new guidance

Public health experts and professional health care associations have expressed concern that the guidance goes against research on the vaccine’s benefits in pregnancy.

Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
May 29, 2025 • ~10 min

WHO is finalizing a new treaty that prepares for the next pandemic − but the US isn’t signing

The US withdrew from treaty negotiations on President Trump’s first day in office.

Nicole Hassoun, Professor of Philosophy, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
May 22, 2025 • ~7 min

FDA will approve COVID-19 vaccine only for older adults and high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules

The FDA’s new framework for COVID-19 vaccines breaks from established procedure for how the government establishes vaccine guidelines.

Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
May 21, 2025 • ~10 min

FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules

The FDA’s new framework for COVID-19 vaccines breaks from established procedure for how the government establishes vaccine guidelines.

Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
May 21, 2025 • ~10 min

COVID-19, flu and RSV shots − an epidemiologist explains why all three matter this fall

The summer 2024 COVID-19 wave is a good reminder that it’s important to get vaccinated with the updated shot.

Annette Regan, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of San Francisco • conversation
Aug. 30, 2024 • ~8 min

COVID-19 vaccines: CDC says people ages 65 and up should get a shot this spring – a geriatrician explains why it’s vitally important

As you get older, you’re at higher risk of severe infection and your immunity declines faster after vaccination.

Laurie Archbald-Pannone, Associate Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Virginia • conversation
March 14, 2024 • ~6 min

Drugs of the future will be easier and faster to make, thanks to mRNA – after researchers work out a few remaining kinks

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the promise of using mRNA as medicine. But before mRNA drugs can go beyond vaccines, researchers need to identify the right diseases to treat.

Li Li, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
Jan. 4, 2024 • ~9 min

Health misinformation is rampant on social media – here's what it does, why it spreads and what people can do about it

Studies show that health misinformation on social media has led to fewer people getting vaccinated and more lives lost to COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases.

Monica Wang, Associate Professor of Public Health, Boston University • conversation
Dec. 13, 2023 • ~11 min

COVID-19 vaccine mandates have come and mostly gone in the US – an ethicist explains why their messy rollout matters for trust in public health

Vaccine policies fall on a spectrum, from mandates to recommendations. Deciding what to use and when is not so much a science but a balancing act between personal autonomy and public good.

Rachel Gur-Arie, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University • conversation
Oct. 18, 2023 • ~9 min

Vaccines against COVID-19, the seasonal flu and RSV are our best chance of preventing a winter surge

Newly approved and updated vaccines are the best tools available to combat COVID-19, the flu and RSV, as infections and hospitalizations tick upward and cold and flu season gets underway.

Libby Richards, Associate Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
Oct. 12, 2023 • ~9 min

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