Uploaded June 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Ask a Harvard Professor Podcast: Why Do We Still Need Rapid Tests? Epidemiologist and immunologist Michael Mina discusses the use of rapid tests as public health tools. Topics include using rapid tests to protect gatherings of friends and family; the differences between rapid tests and PCR tests; and why rapid tests are useful even for people who are vaccinated—particularly the elderly.
A note to our listeners: this episode was recorded in October of 2021.
Mina’s advocacy for rapid tests has been covered extensively in Harvard Magazine:
- Failing the Coronavirus-Testing Test: harvardmagazine.com/2020/08/covid-19-test-for-public-health
- Will Congress Fix the Testing Debacle: harvardmagazine.com/2020/12/funds-for-rapid-testing
- Rapid Tests, In Time for Fall Surge: harvardmagazine.com/2021/04/rapid-tests-approved
This episode of Ask a Harvard Professor was hosted by Jonathan Shaw and the season is produced by Jacob Sweet and Niko Yaitanes. Our theme music was created by Louis Weeks.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1NNWs6ppj6zRTEHWTIBJS6?si=13175b14ca2f416d
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-harvard-professor/id1474640165
Keep up to date with Harvard Magazine on social
Instagram: instagram.com/harvardmagazine
Facebook: facebook.com/HarvardMagazine
Twitter: twitter.com/harvardmagazine
FTC: This fourth season is sponsored by the Harvard University Employees Credit Union and supported by voluntary donations from listeners like you. To support the podcast, visit harvardmagazine.com/supportpodcast.
Ask a Harvard Professor Podcast: Why Do We Still Need Rapid Tests? Epidemiologist and immunologist Michael Mina discusses the use of rapid tests as public health tools. Topics include using rapid tests to protect gatherings of friends and family; the differences between rapid tests and PCR tests; and why rapid tests are useful even for people who are vaccinated—particularly the elderly.
A note to our listeners: this episode was recorded in October of 2021.
Mina’s advocacy for rapid tests has been covered extensively in Harvard Magazine:
- Failing the Coronavirus-Testing Test: harvardmagazine.com/2020/08/covid-19-test-for-public-health
- Will Congress Fix the Testing Debacle: harvardmagazine.com/2020/12/funds-for-rapid-testing
- Rapid Tests, In Time for Fall Surge: harvardmagazine.com/2021/04/rapid-tests-approved
This episode of Ask a Harvard Professor was hosted by Jonathan Shaw and the season is produced by Jacob Sweet and Niko Yaitanes. Our theme music was created by Louis Weeks.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1NNWs6ppj6zRTEHWTIBJS6?si=13175b14ca2f416d
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-harvard-professor/id1474640165
Keep up to date with Harvard Magazine on social
Instagram: instagram.com/harvardmagazine
Facebook: facebook.com/HarvardMagazine
Twitter: twitter.com/harvardmagazine
FTC: This fourth season is sponsored by the Harvard University Employees Credit Union and supported by voluntary donations from listeners like you. To support the podcast, visit harvardmagazine.com/supportpodcast.
