Epidemiology,Faculty

4 Myths about What It Means for a Vaccine to Be 'FDA Approved'

Arnold Monto Quoted in HuffPost

A recurring sentiment among some in the vaccine-hesitant community is a desire to wait to receive any of the three available COVID-19 vaccines until they have been officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration. And while the FDA has authorized the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines―and is expected to also approve each one in turn―for many people, the difference between “authorized” and “approved” has been confusing.

Severe COVID-19 May Be Linked to Long-Haul Symptoms

New research from Jana Hirschtick

People who experience very severe COVID-19 illness have a higher prevalence of persistent symptoms, according to a new University of Michigan study.

Michigan's New Mask Rules for Fully Vaccinated People: What You Need To Know

Fully vaccinated Americans can now safely shed their masks and skip social distancing, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week, sparking a flurry of questions about how the new guidelines will be implemented at businesses, schools and other places where fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people mingle.

Even Small Bills for Health Insurance May Cause Healthy Low-Income People To Drop Coverage

New research from Betsy Cliff, Richard Hirth, and John Ayanian

Twenty dollars a month might not seem like a lot to pay for health insurance. But for people getting by on $15,000 a year, it’s enough to make some drop their coverage – especially if they’re healthy, a new study of Medicaid expansion participants in Michigan finds.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Understanding Herd Immunity, Vaccine Hesitancy

Q&A with Abram L. Wagner

Since the beginning of the pandemic, herd immunity has been portrayed as the holy grail to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Abram Wagner, research assistant professor of Epidemiology, explains why reaching herd immunity might not be as simple as we thought, and what vaccine hesitancy and availability have to do with it.

Truck Noise in Southwest Detroit Adds to Public Health Concerns

New research from Stuart Batterman

Researchers at the University of Michigan joined forces with the Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition and local community members to evaluate the noise impact of trucks on Southwest Detroit. Currently, trucks are being rerouted as part of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge construction.