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May 11, 2021

Children age 12- to 15- years old can now get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine following Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration. Results from a Phase 3 clinical trial testing the COVID-19 vaccine in this age group suggest it is highly effective at protecting them from disease.

May 07, 2021

The CDC and the FDA recommended restarting use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on April 23, 2021, after a temporary pause. After carefully reviewing the data, the CDC and FDA determined that the benefits of getting the J&J vaccine far outweigh potential risks.

April 14, 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC recognized face masks, physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick as important tools in helping reduce the spread of Sars-CoV-2. Combined with COVID-19 vaccines, these practices will help reach herd immunity and eventually get us back to “normal.” But it’s too early to relax now.

April 09, 2021

Vaccinations for COVID-19 are becoming widely available with the goal of achieving “herd immunity”—a point at which enough people are immune to COVID-19 that the virus can no longer spread. As immunity continues to build at different rates in different places, what do we need to know as we wait for the nation and the world to reach full herd immunity?

April 05, 2021

Pregnancy has its own unique challenges. Throw in a COVID-19 pandemic and the situation becomes more complicated. With little information available about how coronavirus impacts pregnant and lactating women, it’s important to rely on health care professionals for advice.

March 26, 2021

All Utahns 16 years and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Utah. University of Utah Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and bring an end to the pandemic. All COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.

March 25, 2021

As health care systems across the country work rapidly to distribute COVID-19 vaccines as efficiently as possible, there is a lot of information that is being shared on social media and online. Sankar Swaminathan, MD, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at University of Utah Health, sets the record straight on some of the myths about COVID-19 vaccines.

March 16, 2021

Different versions, or variants, of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) are emerging around the world. Although it sounds alarming, viruses always change via mutation. As scientists work to learn more about these variants and how they may impact the United States, Stephen Goldstein, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Human Genetics at University of Utah, shared information about what is currently known.

March 09, 2021

With three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S., selecting one might seem difficult. U of U Health infectious disease specialist Sankar Swaminathan, MD, explains why the best vaccine is the first one that is made available to you.

February 23, 2021

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is a big step toward protecting yourself, your family, and your friends from the virus that causes this potentially deadly disease. But as well as the vaccine works, we still have a long way to go before we can shop, socialize, and travel without using face masks and practicing social distancing. Here are a few reasons why.

February 17, 2021

Folks who've gotten through a COVID-19 infection might naturally question whether they need to get a coronavirus vaccination when their turn comes. Experts say they really need the shot anyway, because even after having COVID they might be vulnerable to reinfection.

January 22, 2021

The risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and experiencing severe illness increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults are at the highest risk.

January 20, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty and worries among vulnerable populations, including pregnant people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant people are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and death compared to non-pregnant people.

December 11, 2020

Older adults are at greater risk of hospitalization or dying if diagnosed with COVID-19. As Utah continues to see high transmission rates during the holidays, it’s more important now than ever to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus.

December 09, 2020

University of Utah Health is preparing to receive and distribute COVID-19 vaccines while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The vaccines will be rolled out in phases and provided based on availability.

March 26, 2020

As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made a checklist of important steps families can prepare for now if a family member or relative becomes infected.

March 10, 2020

Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are all potential symptoms of both influenza and the coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19. Both diseases can cause mild to severe illness, and both can pose serious complications to high-risk groups. So how does someone know if they have the flu or COVID-19?

February 25, 2020

Our world was a much scarier place before vaccines. Polio, tetanus, and diphtheria are all among the afflictions that used to be major concerns for people everywhere. While these diseases do still exist, their infection rates and impact have been reduced to the point where most of us hardly give them a thought. That peace of mind is the result of vaccines.