Sources and updates, September 5
Source updates for the week of September 5 include a new pediatric data page from the CDC, state reporting frequency, and new evidence that masks work.
Read MoreTag: CDC
U.S. moves to approve booster shots despite minimal evidence
This week, the federal government announced that the U.S. intends to provide third vaccine doses to all Americans who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. This booster shot distribution will start in September, with adults becoming eligible once they hit eight months after their second shot. Many epidemiologists, vaccine experts, global health experts, and other scientists have criticized the decision.
Read MoreYes, we still need better data on COVID-19 and race: An interview with Dr. Debra Furr-Holden
Dr. Debra Furr-Holden, public health expert at Michigan State University, discusses the ongoing challenges of collecting and reporting COVID-19 race data, how data gaps fuel vaccine hesitancy, the equity challenges inherent in vaccine mandates, and more.
Read MoreFeatured sources, August 8
Featured sources for the week of August 8 include school enrollment data, hospitalization trends, and how the U.S. healthcare system stacks up to others.
Read MoreBreakthrough case reporting: Once again, outside researchers do the CDC’s job
Now, Delta is causing the vast majority of cases—and the CDC still isn’t reporting on non-severe breakthroughs. As a result, entities outside the federal government are once again compiling data from states in order to fill in gaps left by the national public health agency. On Friday, both Bloomberg and NBC published breakthrough case analyses.
Read MoreCOVID source call-out: CDC’s county vaccination map
The CDC’s county-level vaccination map does paint a stark picture of vaccination disparities in the U.S., with the Northeast and West coast notably darker blue than parts of the South and Midwest. However, the CDC’s UI leaves much to be desired.
Read MoreFeatured sources, June 13
Featured sources for the week of June 13 include vaccine distribution by Congressional districts, fiscal accountability for COVID-19 responses, and risk levels for kids.
Read MoreA new tracker highlights the racial disparities—and the missing data—in America’s COVID-19 outbreaks
Two weeks ago, a major new COVID-19 data source came on the scene: the Health Equity Tracker, developed by the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine. To dig more into this valuable resource, I talked to Josh Zarrabi, senior software engineer at the Satcher Health Leadership.
Read MoreFeatured sources, May 30
Featured sources for the week of May 30 include healthcare workers, a new tool for tracking health equity, variant lineages, and more.
Read MoreCOVID source callout: CDC’s vaccinations by age data
The CDC is now reporting separate vaccination numbers for children ages 16 to 17, 12 to 15, and under 12. Yes, under 12. Even though this group isn’t eligible for vaccination yet.
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