Low Turnout Expected for Updated COVID Vaccine

Sep 3, 2024

1 min

Dr. Martine Hackett, associate professor and chair of Hofstra’s Department of Population Health, told Newsday that she believes many people will not get the recently updated vaccine for COVID-19. Less than a quarter of adults and less than 15 percent of children received last year’s vaccine.

“I would predict that there would be much less of an uptake, in part because folks have gotten COVID in big numbers over the last few months; there was a summer surge. So some people might feel like they don’t need the vaccine because they feel protected from their recent infection,” she said. “But just in general, there’s just a lack of urgency around the need to get the most recent version of the vaccine.”

Dr. Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities. She's available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.

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Martine Hackett

Associate Professor of Population Health

Dr. Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities.

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Sep 24, 2026

2 min

A Rare September Nor’easter Takes Aim at the East Coast

A rare September nor’easter is developing along the East Coast, bringing the potential for heavy rain, strong winds, dangerous surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion from the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast. ABC News reports that the storm is expected to intensify off the coast this week, although its ultimate impacts will depend heavily on its track and how close it comes to shore. The storm arrives as El Niño continues to strengthen in the Pacific. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center says there is now a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter, adding another important element to questions about what kind of weather the Northeast could experience in the months ahead. Jase Bernhardt, PhD, associate professor of geology, environment and sustainability and director of Hofstra University’s meteorology program, can discuss the developing nor’easter, the factors influencing its track and intensity, and how strong El Niño conditions could shape weather patterns across Long Island and the Northeast. View his profile Covering the storm? We can help. Bernhardt can provide perspective on: Why a September nor’easter is unusual and what is driving this week's storm The potential for strong winds, coastal flooding, heavy rain and beach erosion Why small changes in a nor’easter's track can dramatically change local impacts How a strong El Niño can influence fall and winter weather patterns Whether the region could see more coastal storms later this fall and winter How residents should interpret and respond to severe-weather warnings Bernhardt's research also explores how people respond to warnings about dangerous weather. He has developed virtual reality simulations designed to demonstrate the risks associated with events including hurricanes, flash floods and snow squalls and to study whether immersive experiences can improve public response to severe-weather warnings. To arrange an interview today, simply click on his profile below

Sep 24, 2026

1 min

Professor Julian Ku Discusses U.N.’s Role in Global A.I. Debate

Hofstra Law Professor Julian Ku was quoted in a recent New York Times article examining the United Nations’ efforts to influence global discussions about artificial intelligence as the United States and China continue to lead the technology’s development. Professor Ku explained that the United Nations has historically struggled to shape how global powers use technologies unavailable to most other nations, including nuclear weapons and advanced cybertools. He said the organization may have greater success helping countries share in the benefits of A.I. than influencing the actions of the United States and China directly. “The U.N. can’t really shape the actions of those who have the power directly,” Ku said, but it can represent countries without that power.

Sep 17, 2026

1 min

Passing Regents No Longer a HS Graduation Requirement

Starting with the class of 2028, high school students will no longer need to pass their Regents exams in order to graduate. Professor Emeritus of Education Alan Singer talked to WNYW-TV Fox 5 and WCBS-TV about the change. “I don’t have confidence that many districts will actually maintain a high standard with these alternatives,” he said.