coronavirus

Terence Dermody receiving an award
As labs have shifted attention to SARS-CoV-2, efforts have been duplicated and precious time and resources have been used ineffectively, writes Terence Dermody for The Conversation. This rapid scientific reorientation has implications far beyond the pandemic.
A person in a yellow face mask, orange turban and blue shirt receives a vaccination
In just two and a half weeks, Pitt and the Allegheny County Health Department pulled together a vaccination clinic for 800 patient-facing health care students and professionals in the Pittsburgh region. The event showcased collaboration among Pitt’s health sciences—and hope.
A bottle of medicine next to an orange-capped syringe
Early results of the trial, which is part of a three-trial platform consortium spanning more than 300 hospitals worldwide, found that full doses of heparin, a blood thinner, were not only safe but also reduced the need for vital organ support, such as ventilation.
The Petersen Event Center
On Jan. 28 and 29, the Allegheny County Health Department will provide COVID-19 vaccinations to Pitt health care students in the state’s Group 1A designation at the University’s Petersen Events Center. Clinical students in the health sciences who are patient-facing have been invited to take part at this time, per the direction of the ACHD. In addition to this clinic, UPMC is also vaccinating a number of our patient-facing health care personnel. Pitt is awaiting approval from the state to be an independent vaccine provider.
A black and white photo of a person in a face mask holding a small bottle
Fueled by a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, researchers in Pitt’s Center for Research on Behavioral Health, Media and Technology are studying and combating false online information about vaccines.
A person in a black face mask and T-shirt receiving a vaccination
Almost by accident, Pittsburgh police officer Antonio Ruiz joined the Moderna vaccine trial at Pitt. Read how his experience played out.
A person in a blue shirt and jeans buckling in a seat belt
For The Conversation, Randy P. Juhl, Pitt Dean Emeritus and Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Pharmacy, wrote about what it takes to change behavior due to health risks—and what it means for the COVID-19 pandemic.
A depiction of the coronavirus in blue, red and white
With the delivery of the first batches of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, providers and laypeople alike have questions about the technologies behind them. Pitt Med magazine enlisted Jeremy Berg, Pitt’s associate senior vice chancellor for science strategy and planning in the health sciences, to help explain.
A man in a face mask and white coat and blue gloves administers a vaccine to a person in a yellow face mask and black shirt
Students and faculty from Pitt’s School of Pharmacy made history at a vaccinating the vaccinators event on Dec. 16. It’s just the beginning of the massive effort to inoculate health care workers against COVID-19.
A man in white protective gear in turquoise gloves and a white face mask
This year, custodians and housekeepers have stepped up to keep campus spaces clean and disinfected. Here’s a glimpse into their world.