Veterinarians working to help end the pandemic
Article by: College of Veterinary Medicine
Originally Published
Veterinary researchers are working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to encourage everyone who is eligible to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC partnered with the Animal Influenza Ecology and Epidemiology Research Program (AIEERP) in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in recognition of the group’s national program focused on improving public health.
The group conducts influenza surveillance in both pigs and youth exhibitors at county fairs and swine exhibition events. They track the spread of influenza from animals to people and people to animals. The lab shares their data with youth through educational lessons in the “Becoming a Swientist” program. The lessons explain zoonotic disease risk and prevention as well as immunology.
In addition, Veterinary Extension provides science-based information to support individuals, businesses, and communities. Ongoing educational programs have incorporated information about the COVID-19 pandemic for farm owners and farm staff to overcome misinformation shared via social media.
Why is getting a vaccine important?
The COVID-19 pandemic has killed more than 750,000 people in the US and more than 5 million worldwide. As viruses spread, they can change and become stronger. These mutations are called variants; they may spread faster and become resistant to treatments. People need to get vaccinated to reduce the increase of more dangerous variants.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines help the immune system by teaching it how to form antibodies that fight a threat like a virus, for example. Some vaccines use live viruses to create this response; other vaccines use dead viruses. The vaccines developed for COVID-19 use a newer technology called messenger RNA, or mRNA. Researchers have been studying mRNA for decades.
Who is eligible for a vaccine?
Adults aged 18 and over can receive vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. Children older than age 5 can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Where are vaccines available?
Check with your doctor's office, pharmacy or local health agency to schedule a time to get a vaccine. A complete list of locations is also available here.
What other precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
People who live in an area where transmission rates are high are encouraged to wear a mask indoors when they are in public spaces.