The COVID-19 pandemic has brought immunology terms that are typically relegated to textbooks into our everyday vernacular. These stories helped us make sense of the ever-evolving science.
It’s too soon to recommend booster shots for younger children. But we can watch what’s happening in the US, where children as young as 12 are receiving theirs.
New Zealand’s system of managed quarantine at the border may soon be less important, but we could well need to stand it up again quickly if a new COVID-19 variant emerges.
The list of SARS-CoV-2 variants – each with its own unique qualities that give it an edge – just keeps growing.
Matt Anderson Photography/Moment via Getty Images
People are buzzing with questions about the omicron variant and whether it could help usher in herd immunity. A team of virologists deciphers the latest findings.
Understanding how much protection a vaccine offers is not as simple as it sounds.
Andriy Onufriyenko/Moment via Getty Images
Half a million British people need to be given a COVID vaccine each day between now and the end of January 2022.
People queuing to get vaccinated. Instead of vaccinating 12-17 year olds, government should focus on giving boosters to people who need it.
Shutterstock
The focus of the government seems to be about how many people can get vaccinated rather than ensuring the greatest protection against severe disease and deaths.
In light of mounting research showing the serious risks of contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy, the CDC is re-upping its urgency that pregnant women get their shots.
The FDA and CDC are recommending use of a third shot, or “booster dose” for certain groups of people in the U.S.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Fault lines between the FDA and CDC regulatory processes have been on full display in the decisions over which groups of Americans should receive the Pfizer booster shot.
An FDA panel has voted against recommending approval of a booster COVID-19 shot for the general population – disappointing some public health officials.
You’ll read lots of different figures on this — six months, eight months, more — and that’s because the research is ongoing. We don’t yet have a concrete answer.
As we continue to roll out COVID-19 vaccines around the world, we’re learning people who are immunocompromised aren’t necessarily protected as well from the first two doses.
Vaccines against COVID-19 are the safest – and fastest – way to prevent the spread of variants.
Luis Alvarez/ DigitalVision via Getty Images
A 2015 paper on chicken virus evolution is being taken out of context and used to fuel fears about COVID-19 vaccines. Its lead author aims to clarify the science in hopes of saving lives.
Cancer and organ transplant patients, people with untreated HIV and people with other immunodeficiencies are at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection.
burakkarademir/E+ via Getty Images
Weeks do matter when it comes to the Delta strain. With Australia still heavily reliant on the AstraZeneca vaccine, for now it makes sense to reduce the time between the first and second jab.
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand