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COVID-19 Media Briefing April 1st, 2021

This Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Media Briefing covers a global and national update on COVID-19, new long-term care guidance, vaccination for children, an update on variants, and monoclonal antibodies. Center for Bioethics'…
The back of a MacBook with a sticker on it reading "I've had my COVID Vaccination"

'Vaccine passports': The hurdles around proving you've had the COVID vaccine

The Biden administration said it is working on creating a set of standards for "vaccine passport" systems, which people could use to prove they've been vaccinated. Jennifer Needle, MD, MPH comments on the complexity of implementing such a…
Line of cars waiting to get vaccinated

Should you get the shot if it's not your turn? The ethics of leftover COVID vaccines

There are still a lot more people who want the COVID-19 shot than there is supply. Despite guidelines about who's eligible, there are ways people can get the vaccine even if it's not technically their turn. But should they? Clinical…
Illuminated sign that reads "COVID SHOTS"

The Biggest Barriers to COVID Vaccination for Black and Latinx People

Differences in life expectancy, car ownership and language may contribute to the racial and ethnic disparities - a possible explanation for why Hispanic and Black people are getting vaccinated at disproportionately lower rates than white…
A hand holding a phone with the website PubMed reading "Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine"

Talking about vaccine hesitancy among some Trump supporters

Jennifer Needle, MD, MPH comments on the relational community responsibility to others that needs to be a clear message when addressing vaccine hesitancy. 
A ceramic mural with the quote "The ultimate tragedy is not the brutality of the bad people but the silence of the good people." - Dr. Martin Luther King

Editorial: Finding new solutions for racial health gaps

Rachel Hardeman, PhD, MPH featured for her work on addressing health disparities at the new Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity.
Signs on a curb reading "COVID Vaccine Clinic Parking Only"

4 questions to help sort through the ethics of getting a COVID vaccine before you’re eligible

Clinical Ethicist Joel Wu, JD, MPH, MA, HEC-C comments on the idea of participating in the common good when considering getting a vaccine before you're eligible.
A hand in a blue latex glove holding a bottle of COVID-19 vaccine and removing it with a syringe

A look at the ethics of the vaccine rollout

More than 1.3 million Minnesotans have had at least one vaccine dose. Host Angela Davis talks with experts, including Nneka Sederstrom, PhD, MPH, MA, FCCP, FCCM, about the ethics of vaccine distribution.
Bottles of COVID-19 Vaccine

Commentary: Now is the Time to Explicitly Emphasize Equity in Vaccine Access

"Recent announcements at the state and federal level reflect good news about expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines. Three weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Health released its updated vaccine guidance about the staging and…
A white male shown signing paperwork on table

The Health 202: Some hospitals stand to gain from the return of earmarks

Congressional Democrats are contemplating bringing earmarks back. If they succeed, that could mean more money for hospitals located in the districts of the most powerful lawmakers. JP Leider, PhD discusses issues of equity associated with…