York experts discuss race for a vaccine against COVID-19, Nov. 21

Featured illustration of the novel coronavirus

A timely topic will be the theme of the Nov. 21 York Circle @ Home Lecture Series, when York faculty members discuss “COVID-19 vaccine: Production, policy, politics” from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Hosted by Professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell, academic chair of The York Circle, this virtual lecture series showcases York’s leading faculty members –from policymakers to molecular scientists –to engage in lively panel discussions and Q-and-A sessions on key themes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this second installment, academics will look at the urgency to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Eight months into the pandemic, the global race for a vaccine wages on. In this relevant panel discussion, infectious disease, immunology and health policy experts will explore the sociological and scientific implications of securing a safe and accessible vaccine. Gillian Wu, an immunologist and retired professor, and Vivian Saridakis, associate professor, biology, will address pressing questions on virus spread, global measures to contain infections, as well as what to expect in subsequent waves. A.M. Viens, associate professor of Global Health Policy and director of the School of Global Health, will speak to the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, and explore the ethical challenge of how countries should buy and fairly distribute it; and Professor Harris Ali, a sociologist at York, will discuss the anti-vax movement and the influence this may have on the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine once developed.

The first 200 people to register for three or more York Circle @ Home virtual sessions will:

  • Receive a complimentary York University coffee mug
  • Become a member of The York Circle
  • Be entered for a chance to win one of four $25 gift cards per session, made possible by MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard

Registration is required. You can register now by using the buttons below for each session. We’ll send you a reminder closer to the event date.

Complimentary York University mugs will be reserved for the first 200 people who register for and attend three or more York Circle @ Home sessions, while quantities last; mugs to be delivered in spring 2021.

To RSVP, visit this link: https://yorku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VRQmBKPmSUWGg4iUX5-1gg.

For more on the series, visit the York Circle @ Home webpage.