Sep 8, 2025
About this episode:
The FDA and CDC are tightening eligibility requirements for COVID-19 vaccines this year, pushing effective treatments out of reach for millions of Americans including young children. In this episode: Dr. Fiona Havers, formerly a senior adviser on vaccine policy at the CDC, draws on recent hospitalization rates to identify who is most at risk for severe COVID-19 infection and in need of immunization for protection.
Guest:
Dr. Fiona Havers, MHS, is an infectious disease physician, a medical epidemiologist, and an expert on vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases and vaccine policy. She previously led the Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network Team at the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Host:
Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department.
Show links and related content:
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Recent FDA, CDC changes to COVID vaccination guidelines lead to confusion—WBAL
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Covid-19 vaccine license change: 12 key questions answered—Your Local Epidemiologist
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Despite federal shift, state health officials encourage COVID vaccines for pregnant women—Stateline
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Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.