Bernadett Varga is a freelance public health professional, former Scientific Collaborator of the Brussels-based Université Catholique de Louvain and co-author of a Springer publication titled Access to Primary Care and Preventative Health Services of Migrants (2018). She started her early career as a health advocate, holds a BSc degree in Communications from the University of Szeged, Hungary, studied Medicine at the Semmelweis University before earning her MSc degree in European Public Health at the University of Maastricht and holds a certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School – Executive Education. She is an expert on EU public health policies, has worked for the Council of Europe, has collaborated with the World Health Organization and the United Nations OHCHR on formulating health policy recommendations targeting vulnerable groups. Her research focuses on health disparities in Europe as well as on the access to healthcare services for disadvantaged groups, such as the Roma and migrant populations. Bernadett resides in Brussels, Belgium.
Contributor: Bernadett M. Varga
Covid-19: different types of vaccines and how they work
A range of Covid-19 vaccines are being developed worldwide and the differences between them can be confusing. How do the new mRNA vaccines work? What about vector vaccines? We asked scientists to give us an insight into the different types of Covid-19 vaccines.
A scientist’s opinion : Interview with Dr Kari Johansen about vaccine procedure
Dr Kari Johansen is expert in influenza and other respiratory viruses and vaccine-preventable diseases at the ECDC. She obtained her medical degree from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, where she also did her PhD (1999). Prior to joining the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in 2008, Dr Johansen worked for the Swedish ...
A scientist’s opinion : Interview with Marco Cavaleri about vaccine procedure
Marco Cavaleri is Head of Office, Biological Health Threats and Vaccines Strategy at the European Medicines Agency (EMA). He is also the chair of the COVID-19 EMA pandemic Task Force and is responsible for EMA activities regarding emerging pathogens, vaccines and antimicrobial resistance. He is a pharmacologist who has spent several years in industry in ...
COVID-19: ensuring a safe and effective vaccine
Scientists around the world are working hard to come up with a COVID-19 vaccine to suppress the pandemic. How can the EU guarantee that rapidly approved vaccines are safe and effective? We asked senior representatives from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) for their thoughts.
The differences between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2
Although according to the World Health Organization the novel coronavirus is primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes, some scientists suggest we should also consider the possibility of aerosol transmission. As the pandemic continues to unfold, research and discussions are ongoing to determine how best to tackle it. Two leading experts offer their opinions, alongside an exploration into some of the vital research being conducted.
A scientist’s opinion : Interview with Prof. Donald Milton about SARS-CoV
We speak with Prof. Donald Milton, Professor of Environmental Health, Applied Environmental Health (MIAEH), about the differences between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Taking the precautionary principle in medicine into consideration, in your opinion why does the WHO insist on its statement regarding the transmission competence of SARS-CoV-2? Do you envisage a different (international) governmental approach soon? ...
A scientist’s opinion : Interview with Dr. Marc Wathelet about SARS-CoV
We speak with Dr. Marc Wathelet, Molecular Biologist, Coronavirus specialist, about the differences between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 Taking your early, alarming statements and the precautionary principle in medicine into consideration, in your opinion why does the WHO insist on its statement on the transmission competence of SARS-CoV-2? Do you envisage a different (international) governmental approach ...
Vaccine perspectives for COVID-19 – Interview with Prof. Rino Rappuoli & Prof. Sarah Gilbert
Covid-19 urges policy makers and the big pharma to fasten vaccine developments and possible treatments for the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Will the vaccine be specific to Covid-19 only, or will it be suitable for all SARS coronaviruses? Will it be suitable to all ages? What are the greatest challenges of vaccine production processes and why does it take so long?