A conversation with an expert virologist and public health advocate on the scientific and societal machinations of COVID-19 vaccination.
Episode highlights
0:17 Remembering Dr. Vivien Thomas 4:45 Introducing Dr. Donald Alcendor 6:54 Our adaptive immune systems 9:08 The role of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein 13:18 The diverse COVID-19 drug options 18:05 Do we need continued antibody testing? 23:15 Measuring T-cell memory 24:18 Seeking the SARS-CoV-2 origin 27:05 Concerns surrounding variants 32:34 Upcoming COVID-19 vaccines 37:35 Translating vaccine efficacy 39:36 Improving minority representation in research 46:39 Outro
In honor of Black History Month, and in recognition of a one-year milestone met in the progression of research from SARS-CoV-2 sequencing to the development of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, this month’s episode of Lungcast features an expert able to discuss both the intrinsic science and societal impacts of COVID-19.
Donald Alcendor, PhD, is a well-regarded vaccinologist and immunologist from Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
He is also an experienced public health advocate and community outreach planner, who has delivered critical information on vaccines, therapies, and the pandemic overall to communities of color for the last year.
Alcendor joins American Lung Association (ALA) chief medical officer Al Rizzo, MD, for the February episode of Lungcast to discuss these comprehensive factors of COVID-19 response.
Before that vital conversation, Rizzo introduces a new segment highlighting a significant person or event in respiratory care history. The inaugural segment pays respect to Vivien Thomas, LLD, an innovator in cardiac surgery, a renowned practitioner, and a champion in the face of institutional racism and inequality.
Subscribe or listen to Lungcast on your favorite platforms: