Dr. Marissa Levine

On WGCU's Gulf Coast Live, two health experts discuss what’s known about the variant and offer ino about how COVID vaccinations and booster shots work.

According to the CDC, just under 42 percent of Florida’s population ages 6 months and older received a vaccine last flu season — the lowest level in the country.

In order to vaccinate enough people to achieve herd immunity, USF public health expert Dr. Marissa Levine says community leaders need to engage with those hesitant to get shots.

Schools typically mandate vaccines that prevent highly contagious diseases. The coronavirus spreads easily, but experts say we need to learn more about whether new vaccines can protect kids from it safely.

The CDC advises against meeting with family and friends outside of your household. But many are still forging ahead, cautiously. On "Florida Matters," we discuss how you can minimize the risks.

In this interview, we explore the pandemic response from a public health perspective with Dr. Marissa Levine, of USF's College of Public Health, where she focuses on population health.

Coronavirus cases have spiked 30% in Florida the past two weeks, according the Florida Department of Health. It could get worse as the country moves into colder months.