Category: Drugs
Pfizer vaccine: what an ‘efficacy rate above 90%’ really means
Efficacy is the performance of a treatment under ideal and controlled circumstances, and effectiveness is performance under real-world conditions.
Most States Aren’t Ready to Distribute the Leading COVID-19 Vaccine
Most officials don’t know how they’ll deal with the difficult storage and transport requirements of Pfizer’s vaccine, especially in hard-hit rural areas.
90% efficacy for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is striking. But we need to wait for the full data
These early results are what is known as an “interim analysis”. It’s an early look at the data before a study is complete to see if the vaccine might work.
Vaccine trial raises hopes, but distribution will be a challenge
Up to 330 million people will need to be vaccinated.
Biden Is Under Pressure to Name New FDA Chief ASAP
Biden faces immense pressure to move faster than any other modern president as the pandemic rages and COVID deaths are expected to surge through the winter.
Scientists Warn Americans Are Expecting Too Much From a Vaccine
Many have pinned their hopes on a COVID-19 vaccine being developed at “warp speed.” But some scientific experts warn they’re all expecting too much, too soon.
Hydroxychloroquine fails to prevent COVID-19, UW study finds
The drug has been touted as effective for prevention of and treatment for COVID-19 by a number of physicians and public figures, including President Trump.
Free flu shots now available for the uninsured
Health officials are concerned that the presence of both viruses could put more people in the hospital and strain Washington’s health care system.
Coronavirus: 3 types of vaccine hesitancy that needs to be address
Sceptics aren’t all the same
Clashing Meds Can Put Older Adults at Risk, But Many Don’t Check with a Pharmacist
Kara Gavin, University of Michigan Health Lab Poll shows only 29% of adults who take five or more prescription drugs have had a comprehensive medication review. Two-thirds of older adults rely on at least two prescription drugs, and more than…
Training our immune systems: Why we should insist on a high-quality COVID-19 vaccine
The way we train our immune systems now to respond to SARS-CoV-2 could impact how well our bodies can respond to future coronaviruses.
COVID-19 anti-vaxxers use the same arguments from 135 years ago
Anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and misinformation campaigns have gained traction. The history of these movements help explain why they are often effective.
5 Things to Know About a COVID Vaccine: It Won’t Be a ‘Magic Wand’
A vaccine is vital in fighting the virus, but it won’t be a quick pass back to our old lives.
A Real Vaccine Before the Election? It’d Take a Miracle.
If you look at all the steps needed for a coronavirus vaccine to be scientifically validated and cleared for public use. tt’s a long shot in 38 days.
Secret safety panels to pick COVID vaccine winners
Data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) are supposed to make sure the medicine is safe and it works and they can halt a clinical trial or fast-track it.