Today on AirTalk, we discuss the process of vaccine distribution as Southern California begins to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Also on the show, we update you on the latest COVID-19 news and answer your questions; check in with local bookstores as they look to stay financially afloat; and more.
COVID-19 AMA: California’s Numbers, Vaccine Drive Latest And More
In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with UCLA’s Dr. Kim-Farley.
Topics today include:
California broke its single-day case record
The U.S. vaccine drive has begun
FDA advisory panel likely to clear Moderna vaccine by the end of the week
How far away is the end of COVID?
Russian officials say drinking alcohol after receiving the vaccine is inadvisable
Guests:
Jackie Fortier, health reporter for KPCC & LAist covering the coronavirus; she tweets
Robert Kim-Farley, M.D., professor of epidemiology and community health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health; he served as the director of the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health from 2004-2018 and is a former senior official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO
As COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Make Their Way Across The Country, A Look At Plans For Distribution in Southern California
The United States reached a major milestone last week when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a COVID-19 vaccine developed by American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner, biotechnology company BioNTech, for emergency use. Trucks stocked with the vaccine began rolling out of Pfizer’s facility on Sunday to begin transporting doses across the U.S. The CDC has recommended that frontline health care workers and people living in long-term care facilities be first in line But getting clearance from federal regulators is just the beginning -- now states and counties across the country turn their focus to the challenge of how to safely, strategically and fairly distribute the vaccine
Today on AirTalk, we’ll look at the plan for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in Southern California and hear about the challenges public health officials involved in the distribution are anticipating as the first doses are administered. Plus, we want to know whether you're planning to get vaccinated or not. Will you get it as soon as possible or are you holding off? What are you considering when making your decision? Do you still have questions about it? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Jackie Fortier, health reporter for KPCC & LAist covering the coronavirus; she tweets
Claire Jarashow, director of L.A. County's Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program
Aaron Kheriaty, M.D., professor of psychiatry at UCI School of Medicine and director of the Medical Ethics Program at UCI Health; he has served as a consultant on Covid response, ventilator triage, and vaccine allocation to the UC Office of the President, the California Department of Public Health, and the Orange County Department of Health; he is also a member of the Orange County COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force; he tweets
Dean Blumberg, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital
The Pandemic Upended Business For LA’s Local Bookstores. How Are They Faring?
Many Angelenos might look fondly on memories built at their local bookstores, from reading in the aisles of Vroman’s Bookstore as a kid, to wandering the stacks at Eso Won Books or exploring newer area bookshops like Reparations Club.
But for local bookstores, restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have forced closures, furloughs, reduced hours and prompted a significant shift to online shopping. Many stores are still afloat, if just barely. Vroman’s Bookstore, the over century-old historic Pasadena bookshop, put out a call urging customers to come back and shop ahead of the holidays or Vroman’s would be at risk of closing permanently. Customers flocked back to the store, and it's not the only time since the pandemic began that local stores got a sales jolt. This summer, George Floyd protests prompted waves of customers to order anti-racism books from Black-owned bookstores, prompting backlogs and long wait lists for titles.
The holiday season, while typically the most lucrative time of year, will look very different for bookstores this year. How are they navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and what is the forecast for post-pandemic business?
Today on AirTalk, we’re learning more about the state of local bookstores. How have you been supporting your local bookstore during the pandemic? We want to hear from you! Give us a call at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Julia Cowlishaw, CEO of Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena and Book Soup in West Hollywood; they tweet
James Fugate, co-owner of Eso Won Books in Leimert Park; they tweet
Josh Spencer, co-owner of The Last Bookstore; they tweet
Leah Koch, co-owner of The Ripped Bodice bookstore in Culver City; they tweet