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What is COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and causes illnesses among humans.  COVID-19, abbreviated ‘CO‘ for ‘corona, ‘VI‘ for virus, ‘D‘ for ‘disease’, and ‘19‘ for 2019, may also be referred to as ‘SARS-CoV-19.

How can COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly thought to spread through human to human transmission, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  Spreading the virus is more likely when people are in close contact with others (within 6 feet or 2 meters).  It can also be spread by touching an infected surface (like a doorknob, desk, or sink) then touching one’s face with unwashed hands.

Learn more about COVID-19 Here!
COVID-19 FAQ
SOURCE: THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Questions about the COVID-19 vaccines? Click here!
Vaccine FAQ

 


Don’t forget to check out these videos and articles below to learn more about what IDP is doing during COVID-19!


 

Moderna’s COVID vaccine can be stored in normal refrigerator, making it easier to distribute to public

17 November 2020
The public is learning more about the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, especially when it comes to its effectiveness and the distribution of the vaccine to the world.
Of the 30,000 volunteers who are taking part in the 25-month clinical trial, 57 of them are people being injected with the vaccine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Shobha Swaminathan is leading the study. She says that the Moderna vaccine has a 94.5% efficacy rating.

Questions and Concerns COVID 19 Vaccine and Vaccine Uptake

2 November 2020 – Center for Public Health Workforce Development

This webinar describes the various COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials, and considerations for communicating with those in the anti-vaccine movement. Presenters include Shobha Swaminathan, MD, an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Michael K. Gusmano, Ph.D., Professor of Health Policy at the Rutgers School of Public Health.


 

TRANSCRIPT AND VIDEO AVAILABLE: “Third spike” in COVID-19 cases, plus the vaccine trials: Live Expert Panel for October 29
By Newswise  |  30 October 2020

Topic: “Third spike” in COVID-19 cases, plus the vaccine trials
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Seeking COVID-19 vaccine trial participants from hard-hit communities of color
By Zöe Read/WHYY  |  8 September 2020

“I think COVID-19 has put us in unprecedented times. I don’t think we’ve ever been in a global pandemic of this urgency that has affected every single person. So, I think that has driven the need for all of us to collectively find a solution to help us get out of this pandemic,” said Dr. Shobha Swaminathan, principal investigator at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and medical director of infectious diseases practice at University Hospital.
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“What Happens Next” for Vaccines with Dr. Shobha Swaminathan
27 August 2020
With 200+ COVID-19 vaccine trials underway, there’s great pressure and many variables for safe recovery. We’re speaking with Dr. Shobha Swaminathan of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School about the intense clinical trial process and the path to a successful vaccine that is both safe and effective.