Dr. Michael Johnson believes his remote summer internship program will continue opening doors for underrepresented students, even in the post-COVID-19 era.
Researchers are exploring whether perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) might worsen infections or hamper vaccine effectiveness. Seeking to gauge effects in a particularly hard hit population, a CDC-supported study called AZ HEROES, is tracking COVID-19 infections and antibody levels in Arizona healthcare workers, emergency responders, and other essential workers. The study is led by researchers at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
"Outside is protective, but it’s not a total risk eliminator," said Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease epidemiologist and adjunct professor at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. "When we’re seeing transmission outdoors, it’s people who are close to each other, talking face to face. The three key factors to consider are distance, duration, and intensity," she says.
While all of the COVID-19 vaccines being administered in Arizona have been proven safe and effective, experts say, some of the claims of vaccine side effects may not be true. Dr. Lori Fantry, an infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, said while the COVID-19 vaccines are known to have common side effects like chills, fatigue, a headache or a sore arm, there are claims circulating that likely aren't legitimately from the vaccine itself.
