COVID-19

Paul Duprex in a checkered shirt
A scientific detective story that unfolded in Pitt’s Center for Vaccine Research unearths how the virus that causes COVID-19 evolves new variants that evade antibodies. Director Paul Duprex says this evolution is why it’s important to develop multiple tools to fight the pandemic.
An interactive map showing disparities between communities in blue and red
A new School of Pharmacy analysis found that Black residents in 69 U.S. counties were far more likely than white residents to live more than a mile from a COVID-19 vaccination facility. Three-quarters of those counties also have high rates of new infections. See where they are.
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.