Since launching its COVID-19 exposure notification app in August, the University of Arizona claimed Thursday that its high usage rates have reduced “the average number of people infected on campus” by as much as 12%. “A 12% reduction in transmission doesn’t just mean you have a reduction in that next wave of cases but every subsequent wave of cases,” Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health professor Kacey Ernst said in a press release. “If one in eight can benefit from this, that’s pretty good.“

Americans began receiving Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine this week. Many await their turn at what they see as a ticket to normalcy. Some are hesitant still. The question: If someone is protected from COVID-19 symptoms, can they still spread it? Hypothetically, it’s biologically possible, said Deepta Bhattacharya, UArizona College of Medicine professor of immunobiology. Still, he’s confident in the vaccine. "Until the data was released, I was hesitant, too. It lends credibility to the vaccines when, as scientists, we call it like we see it. The Pfizer and Moderna trials have been outstanding in their transparency and scientific rigor," he said.

The University of Arizona has created a so-called 'freezer farm' to help store COVID-19 vaccine doses. The freezer farm has the capability of storing more than 1.6 million doses of the vaccine, according to David Harris, the executive director of the University of Arizona Health Sciences Repository.

Four doctors and one mask researcher told Business Insider the masks they recommend for situations outside of hospitals and clinics. Dr. Ricardo Correa, an endocrinologist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, said a simple surgical mask is a good low-cost option. During procedures, Correa said, he wears an N95 mask, which contains tangled fibers to filter airborne pathogens.

An evaluation of emergency medicine guidelines showed proper care on the scene of a brain injury is critical to survival and ongoing brain health.

As the vaccines roll out, so do questions and concerns. Dr. Elizabeth Connick, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson, called the vaccine a home run. "These are some of the most important accomplishments in medicine in the last 25 years." Overall, Dr. Connick said, it’s the same vaccine but there are a few differences. "Preliminarily, it does seem like the Moderna causes more side effects, more fatigue and particularly after the second dose. But it could be because you're getting a great immune response."

Tens of thousands of health care workers in Maricopa County have signed up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Shad Marvasti, director of public health, prevention and health promotion with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, is interviewed.

University of Arizona’s College of Medicine in Phoenix had a double digit increase in the number of applications compared to last year and it could be influenced by the nation’s top infectious disease expert.

Dr. Amanda Sokan was recognized for her work in translational medicine that focuses on aging research, curriculum development and public health policy.