This presentation will provide a science-based overview of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 with live Q&A.  You will learn about the history of pandemics, basic biology of the virus including why it is so contagious, possible long-term consequences of infections, who is most at risk, impact on public health and the worldwide effort behind global drug and vaccine development.  Highlighted will be the FDA approval process that treatments and vaccines must undergo to gain FDA approval with special emphasis provided on safety and effectiveness information, immunity, and negatives for people with underlying health conditions including allergies.  Presented by Andrew G. Clair, Ph.D.

 

Background: Ph.D. pharmacologist and past member (37-year career) in the pharmaceutical industry.   Dr. Clair has co-authored over 100 scientific papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals and was an adjunct professor at St. John's University and Temple University.  He currently lectures to medical school students on pharmaceutical medicine.  In addition, Dr. Clair is a frequent lecturer in the Shoreham-Wading River School District on "The Tragedy of Tobacco and Vaping", a pharmacologist's unique view of tobacco as a drug and consequent associated health consequences.  In 1991, he was a panel member on a radio program to address the dangers of steroid abuse in athletes.