Do I need a COVID-19 booster shot? 6 questions answered on how to stay protected

Though currently approved COVID-19 vaccines effectively provide immunity against the virus, it's unclear how long that protection will last.

William Petri, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia • conversation
July 8, 2021 ~7 min

US Black and Latino communities often have low vaccination rates – but blaming vaccine hesitancy misses the mark

People who haven't gotten vaccinated for COVID-19 often have complex reasons for their relunctance or may face other barriers. Lumping them all together undercuts the vaccination campaign.

Stephanie McClure, Assistant Professor of Biocultural Medical Anthropology, University of Alabama • conversation
July 7, 2021 ~10 min


Global herd immunity remains out of reach because of inequitable vaccine distribution – 99% of people in poor countries are unvaccinated

The high costs of the world's colossally unequal COVID-19 immunization rates.

Maria De Jesus, Associate Professor and Research Fellow at the Center on Health, Risk, and Society, American University School of International Service • conversation
June 22, 2021 ~9 min

A mix-and-match approach to COVID-19 vaccines could provide logistical and immunological benefits

Various companies use different ingredients and different delivery systems in their COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers are investigating whether it's better for individuals to mix what's available.

Maureen Ferran, Associate Professor of Biology, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
June 17, 2021 ~9 min

I’m fully vaccinated but feel sick – should I get tested for COVID-19?

Vaccinated people can still get infected with the coronavirus. So if you have symptoms of COVID-19, getting tested can protect others and help health officials keep an eye on the virus.

Arif R. Sarwari, Physician, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, Chair of Department of Medicine, West Virginia University • conversation
June 3, 2021 ~5 min

Can people vaccinated against COVID-19 still spread the coronavirus?

The COVID-19 vaccines are a smash success. But that doesn't mean they keep every vaccinated person completely free of the coronavirus.

Sanjay Mishra, Project Coordinator & Staff Scientist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University • conversation
May 25, 2021 ~11 min

Why do we get shots in the arm? It's all about the muscle

Most shots work best when inserted into muscle. The shoulder muscle known as the deltoid works best.

Libby Richards, Associate Professor of Nursing, Purdue University • conversation
May 21, 2021 ~5 min

What are the blood clots associated with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine? 4 questions answered

The CDC first paused, then unpaused, the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns about blood clots. But what are those clots, and how do they form?

Mousumi Som, Professor of Internal Medicine, Oklahoma State University • conversation
May 3, 2021 ~6 min


Restart of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine: A doctor explains why benefits far outweigh risks

The CDC and FDA said the benefits of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine far outweigh the low risk of developing rare blood clots and lifted a pause on the vaccine's use. A doctor explains.

William Petri, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia • conversation
April 26, 2021 ~6 min

No, vaccine side effects don't tell you how well your immune system will protect you from COVID-19

It's normal for different people to mount stronger or weaker immune responses to a vaccine, but post-shot side effects won't tell you which you are.

Robert Finberg, Professor of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School • conversation
April 19, 2021 ~7 min

/

14