As misinformation promoted by anti-vaccination organizations and individuals undermines trust in science and generates skepticism about the authorized vaccines, experts answer some of the questions that remain because of misconceptions. Dan Barouch, MD, PhD (Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, BIDMC) explains how study of coronavirus vaccines has actually been extremely rigorous.
In a study published in JAMA led by Ai-ris Collier,...
Researchers are exploring whether people will need booster shots in the coming months and years to maintain immunity or to protect against newly emerging COVID-19 variants. Dan Barouch, MD, PhD (Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, BIDMC) said there could be two reasons why booster shots may be needed, the first is the natural waning of vaccine immunity, and the second is that new variants could emerge that might not be fully covered by the current vaccines.
It's unclear if everyone will need boosters, but early results are promising.
Students describe the challenges and treasures of navigating classes and the pandemic.
Medical professionals who have been on the front lines of COVID-19 at BIDMC and other local hospitals, including Barbara S. Lee (Social Work, BIDMC) and Pamela N. Peck (Psychiatry, BIDMC), shared how their emotional well-being has been impacted over the past 14 months while they put their lives on the line to save others. The hospitals have bolstered and implemented programs to support their staff, drawing on the expertise of Harvard’s faculty specializing in mental health, and created new wellness resources.
According to CDC data released on Sunday, about 5 million Americans missed receiving their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Dan Barouch, MD, PhD (Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, BIDMC) noted it’s unclear exactly what's leading to so many missed second appointments for COVID-19 vaccines but that it's likely that getting a second shot, even at a later point in time, is still very beneficial.
Christina Yen, MD (Medicine, BIDMC) shared that an N95 can be reused anywhere from 20 to 25 times and still keep SARS-CoV-2 at bay.
Preeti Mehrotra, MD (Infection Control, BIDMC) spoke about the potential changes to CDC guidelines regarding mask requirements outdoors.
