Covid-19

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.

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.

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 and Knowable Magazine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Almost by accident, Pittsburgh police officer Antonio Ruiz joined the Moderna vaccine trial at Pitt. Read how his experience played out.

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.

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.