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Key takeaways:  There are currently three authorized COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. — two mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and one viral vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). The three COVID-19 vaccines cause similar side effects, including mild flu-like symptoms and injection-site reactions. Severe reactions to the vaccines are very rare. Each vaccine provides very [...]

Key takeaways: Viruses mutate a lot, and sometimes mutations impact how easily the virus spreads or how well vaccines work against it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health partners are monitoring COVID-19 variants of concern — variants that spread more easily or reduce vaccine effectiveness. Vaccine manufacturers are working to [...]

Key takeaways: Most vaccinated people are protected from COVID-19 even if they don’t have side effects. Only about 50% of people vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines experienced side effects other than arm pain, while 95% were protected from COVID-19 infection. Less than half of people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine [...]

Key takeaways:  Put your name on a waitlist, sign up for Twitter alerts, and register in advance if possible to reduce your wait for a vaccine appointment. Arrive early for your appointment and plan on waiting an extra 15 minutes after your COVID-19 vaccine. Some side effects such as muscle pain and fatigue are normal [...]

Key takeaways:  Several different factors contribute to a community’s ability to reach herd immunity. Experts don’t know yet how many people need immunity to achieve herd immunity or how long it will take to get there. Herd immunity and “back to normal” life depend on everyone getting the vaccine as soon as possible. With the [...]

The United States, as we’ve long been told, has the best health care system in the world. We have the best technology, top-notch medical providers, live-saving prescription drugs, and a free-market system that encourages innovation. This opinion, though, is not universally agreed on. Critics point out that we have some serious issues in this country, [...]

You went to a get-together and now you feel sick, or you know someone who got COVID-19. What constitutes an exposure, and when and why should you get tested for COVID-19? Our expert provides all the information you need to know. So you went to that holiday get-together at your friend’s house and now you’re [...]

Currently, a few vaccines are under consideration by the FDA, which means they could be approved for use soon. While many may view this as good news, some might be a little hesitant. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top 10 threats to global health, according to the World Health Organization, and could potentially affect how the pandemic [...]

Key takeaways: Staying home and keeping everything virtual is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting infected or spreading the virus. Some cities, counties, states, and countries have put travel restrictions into place that may limit your ability to visit, or they may require mandatory quarantine or testing. Pack the essentials like [...]