Even bivalent updated COVID-19 boosters struggle to prevent omicron subvariant transmission – an immunologist discusses why new approaches are necessary

The new bivalent boosters against COVID-19 have failed to halt omicron infections. However, new technologies are being developed that pave a way forward.

Matthew Woodruff, Instructor of Human Immunology, Emory University • conversation
Jan. 25, 2023 • ~10 min

Moderna's experimental cancer vaccine treats but doesn't prevent melanoma – a biochemist explains how it works

Preventive and therapeutic vaccines both train the immune system to fight disease, but they are used in different ways.

Mark R. O'Brian, Professor and Chair of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo • conversation
Jan. 17, 2023 • ~8 min

Will omicron-specific booster shots be more effective at combating COVID-19? 5 questions answered

The FDA’s authorization of the reformulated COVID-19 booster shots represents a major step in the effort to get more Americans boosted.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
Sept. 1, 2022 • ~9 min

Will omicron-specific booster shots be effective at combating COVID-19? 5 questions answered

The FDA’s authorization of the reformulated COVID-19 booster shots represents a major step in the effort to get more Americans boosted.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
Sept. 1, 2022 • ~9 min

Should you get a COVID-19 booster shot now or wait until fall? Two immunologists help weigh the options

On the horizon: A new omicron-focused version of the Moderna vaccine that may offer longer protection and a stronger immune response.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
June 27, 2022 • ~8 min

At last, COVID-19 shots for little kids – 5 essential reads

The FDA’s authorization of COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 4 years will bring relief for millions of parents. Pending CDC endorsement, shots for this group will be available within days.

Amanda Mascarelli, Senior Health and Medicine Editor • conversation
June 17, 2022 • ~9 min

Do you need a second booster shot? An epidemiologist scoured the latest research and has some answers

New data on the second booster suggests the older you are, the more you need it.

Katelyn Jetelina, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston • conversation
April 13, 2022 • ~9 min

Is the omicron variant Mother Nature’s way of vaccinating the masses and curbing the pandemic?

Some of the omicron variant’s unique properties – such as its ability to spread rapidly while causing milder COVID-19 infections – could usher in a new phase of the pandemic.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
Jan. 27, 2022 • ~9 min

How can scientists update coronavirus vaccines for omicron? A microbiologist answers 5 questions about how Moderna and Pfizer could rapidly adjust mRNA vaccines

The new omicron variant of coronavirus has a number of mutations that may require manufacturers to update vaccines. The unique attributes of mRNA vaccines make updating them fast and easy.

Deborah Fuller, Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
Dec. 2, 2021 • ~8 min

Why Moderna won't share rights to the COVID-19 vaccine with the government that paid for its development

Moderna claims its scientists alone invented the mRNA sequence used to produce its COVID-19 vaccine. The US government, which helped fund the drug, disagrees.

Ana Santos Rutschman, Assistant Professor of Law, Saint Louis University • conversation
Nov. 18, 2021 • ~11 min

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