Global

How to improve preparedness for the next pandemic The key to improving pandemic preparedness in the U.S. is not simply additional funding, but also better management of federal resources. ckulat The Hill

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Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unfortunate decline in policy interest in preparations for the next one.  

Covid’s scientific silver lining: A chance to watch the human immune system respond in real time Covid wreaked havoc on the world. It also provided an unprecedented look at the human immune system. Helen Branswell STAT

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The Covid pandemic marked the first time people armed with powerful scientific tools could study how the immune system awakens to and develops defenses against a new threat, in real time, in the global population.

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Do you need a spring COVID-19 vaccine? Research backs extra round for high-risk groups | CBC News Various Canadian provinces are rolling out spring COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, allowing higher-risk individuals to get an extra dose. CBC

New guidelines suggest certain high-risk groups could benefit from having another dose of a COVID-19 vaccine this spring — and more frequent shots in general — while the broader population could be entering once-a-year territory, much like an annual flu shot.

Medical experts told CBC News that falling behind on the latest shots can come with health risks, particularly for individuals who are older or immunocompromised.