Dr. Murtaza Akhter, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine answers MSNBC viewer questions about the coronavirus vaccine.

How long might immunity to the coronavirus last? Years, maybe even decades, according to a new study – the most hopeful answer yet to a question that has shadowed plans for widespread vaccination. These studies "are all by and large painting the same picture, which is that once you get past those first few critical weeks, the rest of the response looks pretty conventional," said Deepta Bhattacharya, an immunologist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson who was not involved in the studies.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) Taking Action received the 2020 INSIGHT Into Diversity Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for several programs: hosting a national conference and a series of dialogue sessions to address police brutality and protests around the country. Through these sessions, a 12-step action plan was developed to work toward dismantling racism as well as eradicating the barriers and deficits that it creates.

Some groups have been hit by the rising trend more than others. For instance, although people of all races can develop colorectal cancer at a young age, the spike has mostly been seen among Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Whites. However, Blacks are still more likely to get colorectal cancer at a young age than Whites, even though the gap is shrinking, said Nathan Ellis, PhD, of the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

More studies will be required to back up the not-yet-peer-reviewed findings, but it's not "unreasonable to think that these immune memory components would last for years," Deepta Bhattacharya, an immunologist at the University of Arizona told the New York Times. It may also be another layer of good news on the vaccine front, since vaccinations typically provide better, longer-lasting protection than natural infections. If that holds true in the case of COVID-19, people would theoretically get to avoid an annual booster shot. Bhattacharya was not involved in the study cited in this article.

The University of Arizona Health Sciences is launching Wellness Wednesdays: Celebrating Health & Holiday — a free, seven-week e-newsletter series beginning Nov. 18, designed to encourage participants and build a sense of community to increase health and decrease stress.

An opinion columnist writes that hospitals could reach capacity quickly as coronavirus cases surge in Arizona. The article cites the research of Joe Gerald, an associate professor with the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Once a person develops immunity against COVID-19, it could last for years, a new study suggests. At the very least, exposure appears to at least set up the body for immunity “memory,’’ meaning its protective system should kick in and significantly fight off a second attack. “I don’t think it’s an unreasonable prediction to think that these immune memory components would last for years, said Immunologist Dr. Deepta Bhattacharya from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson who was not involved in the study.

Protecting mental health is important for fighting stress and keeping healthy. Resources are available for support during the COVID-19 era.

The Arizona Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona joins Wickenburg Community Hospital and clinics in celebrating National Rural Health Day November 19, 2020.