Covid-19 Research Pandemic research and outreach

The EPI has been involved in research and outreach focused on COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Explore how our members have uncovered important aspects surrounding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 by observing public health effects, predicting disease spread, analyzing vaccine efficacy and more.

Meta-Analysis Graphs

Covid-19 Vaccine Efficacy Estimates

Researchers can measure how effective a vaccine is at preventing disease by following vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in clinical trials or observational studies. By comparing the incidence of infections in vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, researchers can estimate what’s known as vaccine efficacy. This term describes the reduction of disease in a vaccinated group of people compared to an unvaccinated group, if all other conditions remain the same. A large reduction of disease in a vaccinated group, when compared to an unvaccinated group, equates to a highly effective vaccine.

Scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round blue objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab.

COVID-19 Publications

Changing COVID-19 cases and deaths detection in…

Epidemic data are often difficult to interpret due to inconsistent detection and reporting. As these data are critically relied upon to inform policy…

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Evaluation of Strategies for Transitioning to…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed administering annual SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. To evaluate the effectiveness of an annual SARS-CoV-2…

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Inactivation of SARS CoV-2 on porous and…

The impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the pharmacokinetics/dynamics (PK/PD) of beta-lactam antibiotics have not been well…

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Covid-19 Models

COVID vaccines effective against Omicron, say UF…

UF biostatisticians confirm in a recent meta-analysis that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and getting a booster or two is the best way to…

Profile picture of Dr. Ira Longini standing in front of a black chalkboard.

Updated projections for omicron wave in Florida

UF researchers updated their model projecting how an omicron-driven surge may unfold in Florida over the next few weeks and months. (This version…

Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell heavily infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles, isolated from a patient sample.

Projections for COVID-19 omicron wave in Florida

UF researchers created a model projecting how various omicron-driven surge scenarios may unfold in Florida over the next few months.

This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a laboratory.

Covid-19 Sequence Analyses

Covid-19 sequence analysis, Alachua County, FL…

Genomic sequence analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 strains currently circulating in Florida and Alachua County, Fla. as of Sept. 27, 2021.

Illustration of Covid-19 virus cell.

Covid-19 sequence analysis, Alachua County, FL…

Genomic sequence analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 strains currently circulating in Florida and Alachua County, Fla. as of Sept. 27, 2021.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission electron microscope image.

Covid-19 Stories

How to avoid winter viruses: UF EPI expert talks RSV, flu and COVID-19

With winter comes a trio of respiratory illnesses, sometimes referred to as a “triple-demic”: influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Learn how to avoid viruses during the cold,…

Artificial intelligence transforms how UF EPI researchers forecast and respond to disease

The University of Florida’s AI initiative has transformed faculty research. Here’s how Jason Blackburn and Marco Salemi, members of the Emerging Pathogens Institute, are using AI in their work.

COVID-19 myths: Many were busted, but a dangerous one still prevails

From the beginning, the COVID-19 pandemic has been plagued by myths and misunderstandings about how the disease spreads and how people can protect themselves from the disease. We’ve come a…

UF experts join with partners at UNC and Johns Hopkins in creation of CDC-funded center for outbreak forecasting

Two UF EPI infectious disease experts are part of a new CDC-funded outbreak analytics and disease modeling network