CIDRAP

Osterholm Update

Science EN ↓ 221 episodes

A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance. CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu

Author

CIDRAP

Category

Science

Podcast website

www.cidrap.umn.edu

Latest episode

Jul 2, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 90: A Pandemic of Lost Trust 10.02.2022

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the decline in Omicron cases in the US and internationally, what we know about the BA2 subvariant, and the mistakes that have been made in communicating about masks and vaccines to the public.</p> <p>Email us your questions: <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a></p> <p>...

Episode 89: Understanding Immunity 03.02.2022

<p>In this episode, Chris Dall and Dr. Osterholm discuss the BA2 subvariant, the data on booster dose effectiveness, and the challenges with understanding what immunity from vaccination and natural infection really means.</p> <p>Ed's Beautiful Place: <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/eds-beautiful-place">https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/eds-beautiful-place</a>&lt...

Episode 88: Vaccines, Variants, and Long COVID 27.01.2022

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the trajectory of Omicron in the US and abroad, China's zero-COVID policy, how the Biden Administration has responded to the US surge in cases, and a review of what we know about long COVID at this point.</p> <p>Email us your questions: <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a&gt...

Episode 87: Hope Is Not a Strategy 20.01.2022

<p>This week's episode covers the future of the Omicron wave in the US and across the world, the potential need for a fourth dose of vaccine, and the reality of school closures during the current surge in cases.</p> <p>Email us your questions: <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a></p> <p>Nissa's Beautiful Pl...

Episode 86: The Omicron Crisis 13.01.2022

<p>This week, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss Omicron's impact in the United States and elsewhere, and what our “new normal” of life with COVID should be. They also talk about how the Omicron variant is affecting kids, make sense of what the current hospitalization numbers really mean, and answer two COVID queries on testing.</p> <p>Email us your questions: &lt...

Episode 85: Smart Testing in the Omicron Surge 06.01.2022

<p>In "Smart Testing in the Omicron Surge," Dr. Osterholm analyzes the data on the severity of the Omicron variant, the rise in hospitalizations, the effectiveness of rapid antigen tests, and the new testing strategies being implemented across the US. Email us your questions: OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</p>

Episode 84: Imperfect Situations and Imperfect Solutions 29.12.2021

<p>In this week's episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss eight major issues surrounding the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and his stance on the new CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines.</p> <p>Email us your questions: <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a></p> <p>Donate for CIDRAP's 20th...

On Viral Time 22.12.2021

<p>In this week's episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the rapid global spread of the Omicron variant, how the United States and other countries around the world are responding to the Omicron surge, and how to approach the holidays. Email us your questions: OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu Last year's Polar Express Holiday Episode: cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/podcasts-webinars/polar-express Dona...

A Viral Blizzard 16.12.2021

<p>In "A Viral Blizzard," Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the newest Omicron data, the crisis happening in hospitals across the US, the viral battle occurring between the Omicron and Delta variants, and the importance of booster doses. Email us your questions: OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu Sandra's Beautiful Place: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/sandras-beautiful-place Donate for CIDRAP's 20...

The Early Data on Omicron 09.12.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm analyzes the current data on transmission, disease severity, and ability to evade immune protection of the Omicron variant. We also discuss the continuing Delta surge in many parts of the world, the role of vaccines and boosters, and when booster doses may be available for 12-17 year olds. Email us your questions: OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu The Disappointed Tou...

The Emergence of Omicron 02.12.2021

<p>In "The Emergence of Omicron," Dr. Osterholm explains what we know and don't know about the Omicron variant, how we will learn more, and what it could mean for the future of the pandemic. Dr. Osterholm also emphasizes the importance of boosters and the potential for a post-Thanksgiving surge in cases. Email us your questions: OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu Micah's Beautiful Place: https://www.ci...

Thanksgiving Mini Episode 24.11.2021

<p>In this mini episode, Dr. Osterholm compares the dynamics of the pandemic this Thanksgiving to last year, and what factors to consider when making Thanksgiving plans.</p> <p>Email us your questions: <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a></p> <p>Donate for CIDRAP's 20th anniversary: <a href="https://www.cidrap.um...

Episode 78: Breakthroughs and Boosters 18.11.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm explains what the rise in number of breakthrough infections really means, the importance of booster doses, and how to feel empowered to make a safe Thanksgiving decision based on personal and community risk.</p> <p>Mike's Beautiful Place: <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/mikes-beautiful-place-taiwan">https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...

Episode 77: A Booster Dose of Humility 11.11.2021

<p>In today's episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the surge of cases in Europe and what it could mean for the rest of the world, the importance of vaccinations and booster doses, COVID-19 cases in deer, and making Thanksgiving plans while remaining COVID-conscious.</p> <p>Email us your questions: <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@um...

Episode 76: Vaccines in the World of Delta 04.11.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the international state of the pandemic, the unpredictability of events to come in the US, recent vaccine data, a COVID query on "mix and match" booster doses, and the approval of the Pfizer vaccine in 5-11 year olds.</p> <p>Email us your questions: <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">Oster...

Episode 75: Evolving Science 28.10.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss what it means to be susceptible to COVID-19, the extent of protection provided by vaccinations and natural immunity, the implications this has for breakthrough infections, and the need for booster doses and vaccinations in children. </p> <p>Listen to season 2 of Superbugs and You: <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/superbug...

Episode 74: Implement, Study, Learn 21.10.2021

<p>This week, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the UK, Russia, and Japan, and what this could mean for the US, as well as the rise in cases in Northern US states, the new recommendations on booster doses, and communication surrounding vaccine mandates.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate...

Episode 73: Don't Think Like June 14.10.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the decline in global cases, the effect of boosters on the trajectory of the pandemic, and the recently released CIDRAP viewpoint on respiratory protection.</p> <p>Bags of Gratitude: <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/bags-of-gratitude">https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/bags-of-gratitude</a></p> <p>Ce...

Episode 72: A Surge in Optimism 07.10.2021

<p>This week, Dr. Osterholm offers his perspective on COVID mitigation strategies in schools, the new antiviral drug molnupiravir, the unpredictability of the upcoming flu season, and optimism after receiving his booster shot.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a> </p> <p>From 'heroe...

Episode 71: Boosting the Vaccination Effort 30.09.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the CDC’s new booster recommendation and international booster recommendations, the struggle to protect our children from COVID in schools, and recently published studies on respiratory protection.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a> </p> &...

Episode 70: Corrected Science 23.09.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the uncertain future of the pandemic in the U.S. and abroad, the FDA Advisory Committee's new recommendation on booster doses, and vaccinations and cases in children.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a> </p> <p>View photos of...

Episode 69: A Whole New Ball Game 16.09.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the various mitigation strategies that are being used across the world to fight the Delta variant, President Biden's new vaccine mandate, outbreaks in children and schools, and the potential for a third or "booster" dose.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu...

Episode 68: Recalculating Risk 09.09.2021

<p>This week, Dr. Osterholm provides insight on the state of the pandemic in the US and internationally, the importance of keeping children safer as schools go back in session, and the risk of outdoor events for fully vaccinated individuals.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a></p> <p>Russ&a...

Episode 67: You Can’t Run Out the Game Clock 02.09.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the US and abroad, evolving data on vaccines and their effectiveness, and schools in the age of Delta.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a></p> <p>Listen to the standalone version of Mike's in...

Episode 66: Thank You, Dr. Jena 26.08.2021

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the news of FDA granting full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, updates on booster doses and the rationale being considered, and the need for updated guidance as schools reopen.</p> <p>Email us your questions at <a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu">OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu</a></p> <p>V...

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