Addressing the vaccination gap

Recently, we've been hearing a lot about how this is becoming a "pandemic of the unvaccinated."  But why are there still so many unvaccinated people?  It's tempting to believe they're all anti-vaxxers, and dis/misinformation are still a problem.  But a bigger problem is access.  Yes, the vaccines are free, but what about time off work, childcare, and transportation to and from the vaccine site?

Atlantic writer Ed Yong interviewed Rhea Boyd, MD, MPH, a pediatrician and public health advocate for this excellent article that takes a deeper look into this issue.

Dr. Rhea Boyd, photo from https://rheaboyd.com/about/

Meet Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett

 Have you ever wondered who developed the COVID-19 vaccines or how they did it so quickly?  Meet Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, viral immunologist and lead scientist for the NIH Coronavirus Vaccines and Immunopathogenesis Team.  For the past six years, Dr. Corbett's work has focused on the biology of coronaviruses.  Her research laid the groundwork for the Moderna vaccine.

From NIH Record, Vol. LXXII, No. 25, December 11,2020

 

Covid-19 Vaccine Development & Distribution

 Vaccine Development and Distribution

Vaccine Development and Distribution

This is an excellent discussion about the Covid-19 vaccines from The Wisconsin Alumni Association with an excellent mix of speakers covering the research, bioethics, and public health aspects. 

It’s a little over an hour and answers many questions about:

• development of vaccines
• safety
• and how the vaccine will be rolled out.
• Health care workers and residents of long term health facilities will be first in line, and hopefully soon. 

We are fortunate to have such amazing experts here in Wisconsin. 

Although exciting news to be so near a vaccine, 

it won’t change the curve for the next couple months, 

so keep on masking, washing your hands, distancing and avoiding large gatherings.