USF

On "Florida Matters," we get an update on Florida's vaccination efforts. We'll also hear from an expert who's working on vaccine education amid the decreasing number of people getting their shots.

More younger adults are entering Florida hospitals sick with COVID-19, as the mostly vaccinated senior population makes progress. Health experts say the shift stresses the need to get more shots in arms.

The ceremonies will be held at Tropicana Field with a limited number of guests in attendance. Graduates also won't march onstage.

Dr. Patricia Emmanuel says once children 12 and older are able to get vaccinated in the coming months, that will be a "game-changer" for how schools proceed with coronavirus prevention measures.

Severe allergic reactions to the Moderna and Pfizer shots have been rare but "higher than what we see with typical vaccines,,” says Dr. Tom Casale, an allergy and infectious disease expert at USF.

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise last year, shutting down major colleges and universities around the country. Two USF students experienced their freshman year during the pandemic.

A Tampa physician was among the rare but growing number of people dealing with the disturbing experience of getting the disease despite having had one shot, or even two.

There is no evidence to suggest COVID-19 vaccines cause death or infertility, according to Dr. Kevin Sneed. He clears up other vaccine misconceptions as well.

The University of South Florida has been picked to host the regional headquarters for a virus research coalition, which will help develop strategies to fight infectious diseases.

On Tuesday, Spanish-speaking faculty members are starting a series of Zoom discussions about the vaccine and ways to prevent the spread of the virus, which disproportionately affects Hispanic communities.