Public Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine Faces Many Hurdles
Story Highlights Even before a vaccine against COVID-19 has been introduced to the public in the U.S., expectations for it are low. Dr. Anthony Fauci warns that a COVID-19 vaccine is not expected to be either long-lasting or more than 50 to 60 percent effective. Citing experience with other vaccines, a COVID-19 vaccine is not […]
Flu Vaccination Associated With Increased Viral Shedding
Opinion | When your body is infected with a disease-causing virus such as influenza, the virus is “shed” into the environment, via your saliva and other bodily fluids and skin lesions. If someone comes in contact with that shed virus, it’s possible that they, too, will become infected with the virus. There’s still a lot of […]
WHO Says No Direct Evidence Masks Prevent Viral Infection
Opinion | According to the director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, life will not be returning to your old normal anytime soon. What’s more, things will only get worse unless the public follow health advice such as wearing masks and social distancing. The somber announcement came during a July 13, 2020, press conference. This, […]
2005 PREP Act and 1986 Act Shield Vaccine Manufacturers from Liability
Story Highlights Most countries that have supply contracts with AstraZeneca have granted the drug company liability protection for their COVID-19 vaccine. In the U.S., vaccine manufacturers and administrators are shielded from liability under the PREP Act of 2005 for a vaccine or drug that is developed in response to a declared public health emergency, including […]
Poll: 69 Percent of Americans Worried Fast-Tracked COVID-19 Vaccines Won’t Be Safe
Numerous polls have been conducted during the last few months asking Americans if they would get a COVID-19 vaccine were it approved by the U.S. government and offered to the public. Polls in April-May 2020 showed that about half or more of those surveyed said they would get the vaccine. More recent polling, however, has […]
U.S. Southeast and Rural Areas Have More Severe COVID-19 Tied to Chronic Illness
Story Highlights Certain co-existing health problems like obesity and diabetes and lung, heart and kidney disease have been associated with increased risk for severe symptoms and death from COVID-19. A recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reported that underlying conditions contributing to greater risk for severe COVID-19 disease are more prevalent in the southeast […]