The FDA authorizes Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 – a pediatrician explains how the drug was tested for safety and efficacy

Pediatric clinical trials for the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 have shown that the Pfizer shot is safe and effective.

Debbie-Ann Shirley, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia • conversation
Oct. 29, 2021 ~10 min

How to help kids with 'long COVID' thrive in school

When a student suffers a concussion, their school typically offers certain accommodations – lighter workload, rest breaks, more time to complete tests. Do kids with long COVID need the same?

Julie Walsh-Messinger, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Dayton • conversation
Oct. 29, 2021 ~6 min


Type of ultraviolet light most effective at killing coronavirus is also the safest to use around people

UV lights come in a variety of different wavelengths, but not all are equally effective at disinfection. Researchers tested a number of commercially available lights to find the best.

Karl Linden, Professor of Environmental Engineering and the Mortenson Professor in Sustainable Development, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Oct. 26, 2021 ~8 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

Breast milk can contain COVID antibodies – good news for babies

There is immense interest in understanding whether potentially protective SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are provided to the baby via breast milk. This is what we know so far.

April Rees, PhD Researcher in Immunology, Swansea University • conversation
Oct. 15, 2021 ~8 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

Can healthy people who eat right and exercise skip the COVID-19 vaccine? A research scientist and fitness enthusiast explains why the answer is no

A growing body of research shows that nutrition, sleep, exercise and a host of other lifestyle choices can help optimize the immune system. But they are no substitute for life-saving vaccines.

Richard Bloomer, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, University of Memphis • conversation
Sept. 28, 2021 ~8 min

FDA panel recommends limiting Pfizer booster shots to Americans 65 and older, and those at high risk of severe COVID-19

An FDA panel has voted against recommending approval of a booster COVID-19 shot for the general population – disappointing some public health officials.

Matthew Woodruff, Instructor of Human Immunology, Emory University • conversation
Sept. 17, 2021 ~6 min


Massive numbers of new COVID–19 infections, not vaccines, are the main driver of new coronavirus variants

When the coronavirus copies itself, there is a chance its RNA will mutate. But new variants must jump from one host to another, and the more infections there are, the better chance this will happen.

Lee Harrison, Professor of Epidemiology, Medicine, and Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Sept. 9, 2021 ~8 min

What happens when the COVID-19 vaccines enter the body – a road map for kids and grown-ups

An infectious disease doctor explains the science behind COVID-19 vaccines at a level that children – and adults – of all ages can understand.

Glenn J Rapsinski, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Aug. 30, 2021 ~8 min

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