Omicron is the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant to rock the scientific world, but it won’t be the last. This webinar will explore what we are learning about omicron, how the vaccines will work against it and its likely impact on those who have previously been ill or remain unvaccinated. What does it mean for kids? How do we assess our risks for this holiday season? What do variants like omicron mean for how the pandemic will unfold in 2022 and the likelihood that it will still be with us in 2023? Experts will answer those questions and more. Bara Vaida, AHCJ core topic leader on infectious disease, will moderate.

As evolving science has helped researchers understand the science of addiction disorders better, it’s become clear that much of the language we use to describe those conditions is outdated and can increase stigma, particularly with disorders related to alcohol use. Journalists need to be aware of appropriate terms and their meanings as well as common misconceptions about alcohol use disorder. This webinar will cover the appropriate terminology in covering alcohol disorders, current insights into how scientists now think of alcohol misuse, and common misconceptions about alcohol use and risks, including popular misunderstanding of the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy. 

Journalists should prepare to help their readers, listeners and viewers for an inevitable downside of a welcome development with electronic health records. A federal rule that took effect in April has made it easier for many patients to access their medical records. While this move is welcomed by patient advocates, it also will reveal many more cases of incorrect information recorded about people’s medical histories and treatments.