Is COVID-19 here to stay? A team of biologists explains what it means for a virus to become endemic

Some viruses go extinct, while others stick around. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems likely to remain with us for the long term.

Cody Warren, Postdoctoral Fellow in Virology and Immunology, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Nov. 5, 2021 • ~10 min

Why vaccine doses differ for babies, kids, teens and adults – an immunologist explains how your immune system changes as you mature

First CDC signed off on a COVID-19 vaccine for adults, then teens. Now US children ages 5 to 11 are officially eligible for shots. Here’s the science on why each group needs to be considered separately.

Brian Peppers, Assistant Professor of Pediatric and Adult Allergy/Immunology, West Virginia University • conversation
Nov. 3, 2021 • ~7 min

Rapid rollout of COVID vaccine as important as its efficacy

Scientists find that a rapid rollout of the COVID vaccine to low- and middle-income countries is as important as the vaccine’s efficacy.

Randy Young • harvard
Oct. 29, 2021 • ~4 min

An infectious disease expert explains new federal rules on 'mix-and-match' vaccine booster shots

As boosters are authorized for all three COVID-19 shots available in the US, the ability to swap out vaccine types looks to be a boon to the immune system.

Glenn J. Rapsinski, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences • conversation
Oct. 22, 2021 • ~9 min

Parents were fine with sweeping school vaccination mandates five decades ago – but COVID-19 may be a different story

Public health experts know that schools are likely sites for the spread of disease, and laws tying school attendance to vaccination go back to the 1800s.

James Colgrove, Professor of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health; Dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, Columbia School of General Studies, Columbia University • conversation
Oct. 22, 2021 • ~9 min

Vaccination against COVID-19 supports a healthy pregnancy by protecting both mother and child – an immunologist explains the maternal immune response

In light of mounting research showing the serious risks of contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy, the CDC is re-upping its urgency that pregnant women get their shots.

Matthew Woodruff, Instructor of Human Immunology, Emory University • conversation
Oct. 13, 2021 • ~9 min

Tense decision-making as CDC joins FDA in recommending Pfizer booster shot for 65 & up, people at high risk and those with occupational exposure to COVID-19

Fault lines between the FDA and CDC regulatory processes have been on full display in the decisions over which groups of Americans should receive the Pfizer booster shot.

Matthew Woodruff, Instructor of Human Immunology, Emory University • conversation
Sept. 25, 2021 • ~6 min

Half of unvaccinated workers say they'd rather quit than get a shot – but real-world data suggest few are following through

While surveys have shown a large share of unvaccinated workers threatening to quit over a mandate, the reality is few actually do.

Annie Neimand, Research Director and Digital Strategist for frank, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida • conversation
Sept. 24, 2021 • ~5 min

Changing your mind about something as important as vaccination isn't a sign of weakness – being open to new information is the smart way to make choices

People tend to stick with their stated beliefs. But here’s how external forces like vaccine mandates can push people to do something they don’t want to do – and provide some face-saving cover.

Art Markman, Professor of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts • conversation
Sept. 23, 2021 • ~8 min

Political orientation predicts science denial – here's what that means for getting Americans vaccinated against COVID-19

Republicans are four times as likely as Democrats to say they’re not going to get the COVID-19 vaccine. What’s behind the polarization of who trusts or denies science?

Adrian Bardon, Professor of Philosophy, Wake Forest University • conversation
Sept. 16, 2021 • ~9 min

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