During the June 15 Science Cafe, UNMC neonatology expert Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, and pediatric infectious diseases expert Kari Simonsen, MD, will explain the process by which COVID-19 vaccines are studied in the pediatric and pregnant (perinatal) populations, including any anticipated risks and benefits, as well as the projected timelines for emerging information regarding the release dates for vaccines for children under 12 years of age.
To ensure social distancing, the virtual Science Cafe will be offered via Facebook Live and begin at 10 a.m. Viewers do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream.
“The research that we are conducting as part of a national multi-center trial will help to determine the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in pediatric patients aged 6 months to 11 years, and is a critical part of getting our pediatric population protected from the consequences of this viral infection,” Dr. Anderson Berry said.
Dr. Anderson Berry is the division chief of neonatology in the department of pediatrics in the UNMC College of Medicine and the interim executive director of the Child Health Research Institute. She also serves as the vice chair of research for the department of pediatrics.
Dr. Simonsen is the chair of the department of pediatrics and professor of pediatric infectious diseases at UNMC and pediatrician-in-chief of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.
Science Cafes involve a face-to-face conversation with an expert about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older) and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. Experts give a brief presentation followed by a Q&A period.