The past two flu seasons were the worst the state has ever seen, but this season has seen a 93% decrease in the number of cases and is one of the lowest on record – all likely due to COVID-19. "It's a dominant organism in the community. When one virus becomes the dominant organism in the community, it doesn't let other viruses take hold and gain a foothold," said Dr. Shad Marvasti, director of public health, prevention and health promotion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

A University of Arizona Health Sciences study has estimated total lifetime costs at $736 million for the 10,359 valley fever patients diagnosed in Arizona in 2019, underscoring the economic burden the disease places on the state and its residents.

David Beyda, chair and professor in the Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanism at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, discusses the ethics related to the COVID-19 vaccinations.

Expenses for the fungal disease endemic to the Southwest can skyrocket for people whose diagnosis is delayed, leading to more serious infection or death.

The annual event organized by the College of Medicine – Phoenix brings the wonders of STEM to kids during the pandemic with a virtual month-long series.

Joe Gerald, an associate professor in the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, said the state of Arizona's COVID-19 vaccination system seems to prioritize state pods, which could lead to a lot of people being left without equal access to immunization. "If you live in Tempe it's a 5-minute drive. But if you live in Yuma it's a 6-to-7-hour drive. That doesn't meet the burden of equal opportunity," Gerald said.

Since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, more than 10,000 pregnant women across the U.S. have received it, according to federal health officials. There have been no red flags so far, according to Dr. Debra Guinn, an expert in maternal-fetal medicine in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. "The benefits of the vaccine far out weight any risk," Guinn said.

The AZ HEROES research study is expanding its scope to assess vaccine effectiveness, as well as increasing eligibility to include college students.

A University of Arizona Health Sciences study looking at re-infection and antibodies in front-line workers is now expanding to include some students. The Arizona Healthcare, Emergency Response, and Other Essential Workers Surveillance study, or AZ HEROES, will examine the effectiveness of vaccines as new COVID-19 variants pop up around the globe.