>> building a better bay area, moving forward, finding solutions. this is abc 7 news. >> i'm kristen sze. you watching getting answers, on abc seven, hulu live, and wherever you stream. we ask experts your questions to get answers for you in real time. from the usda to talk all things turkey at thanksgiving. before you shop on black friday, a financial expert to help get the most out of the experience with a few simple must do this. health officials are waging a huge campaign to persuade more americans to get the covid vaccine or the booster if they got the original shots more than six month ago. many have questions or concerns. sometimes because they don't

have information or fully understand what the vaccine can or cannot do. joining us to answer your questions and help make sense of vaccine basics, and immunologist at the university of arizona. welcome. >> thank you for having me. >> i heard an interview you did recently. you provided a clear explanation of vaccine science. i wanted you to get on this show to help our viewers. what exactly is in the moderna and pfizer vaccines? >> both vaccines are called mrna vaccines. to back up a little bit, the coronavirus is made up of rna, a type of genetic material. it is a little bit different than the dna that makes up our genomes. the mrna vaccines take a small piece of what the virus normally makes and instructs the cells to turn on this protein called spike protein.

it tells them to just make it, enough to tell the immune system something is wrong and they should respond to it, but not the entire virus genome so you are not making the virus part of this. those vaccines instruct your cells to make it in your immune system responds. >> once it does that, what happens when it meets up with the invader, if you are exposed to the coronavirus? >> the key thing is you want ist your immune system revved up and going and ready before you are exposed to the virus. it is really about timing. the vaccines trigger a couple of different parts of your immune response. one of them is your immune system starts making antibodies that stick to the spike protein. antibodies are proteins that are sort of sticky, they try sticking onto the virus. ideally, if they work well, they prevent the virus from infecting your cells.

your immune system also revs up a different type of response made up of t cells. they are patrolling and looking for cells that were infected by the virus. if they see something that gets them suspicious, they will kills those cells before the virus has a chance to replicate and spread. >> so they will search and destroy. how long after you get the shot does your immunity peak? >> usually a couple of weeks, a week or two after you get the second shot for the first primary series. if you get a third dose, it is about a week after that. it takes a little while to get going, but it is a lot faster than if you got infected by the virus in the first place. if you get infected by the virus, it can take weeks before your system knows there is something wrong. the purpose is to have your

immune system ready ahead of time in case you are exposed to the virus. >> so it starts fighting on the first second it sees it. when does it start to wane? when does it hit bottom and plateau? >> it is a complicated question. one of the things that happens in really every immune response, whether infection or vaccine, you make a bunch of antibodies right at the beginning. but those antibodies are not really the best quality. they don't stick very well to the virus. they kind of bounce on and off. but you make so many it is probably enough to protect you. what happens is there is a process of calling some of those antibodies that are not sticking well. those that produce them, not so great antibodies start dying off. you are left with cells with the best antibodies, those that stick to the virus. so even though the antibody levels are declining, it really doesn't mean immunity is waning. it means you're antibodies are

becoming more efficient at protecting you. when we look at the vaccines, they have waned a little bit. if you look at it against delta. it has come down a little bit from the peak. i think the bigger problem is the delta variant. there's a few reasons for that. it has mutations that have escaped the antibodies. it replicates really quickly. so it takes more to protect you. it is one of the reasons we are talking about booster doses. really because of the delta variant. >> once you get the booster shot, it goes in your body, and what does it do? >> it makes an enormous number of more antibodies and t cells. you are revving up that set point to a higher level than it was after two doses. it seems like you might need it against the delta variant. >> i was wondering if it means we might have to get a booster

every six months if it continues to wane. at what point ward your body need additional shots to defend itself? >> it is hard to predict. if you look at the data from third doses, and take what we know about how high it has gotten, how long it is likely to take before it comes back down, i think it will take a long time. what it is right now is the ball is in the court of the virus. it is up to it for what it decides to do next. will we need booster doses every six months? i don't think so because of waning immunity. the frequency of boosters will have more to do with what the virus does and how it evolves and changes. that is difficult to predict. >> is that why you and many doctors are urging for vaccinations for children? does that play a role in preventing these variants or dangerous new variants to emerge? >> it does.

one of the things we learned is the vaccines, in some ways, it was unexpected. a nice positive, they are doing a good job of preventing infections outright. even the most pessimistic estimates would say vaccines are preventing something like half of delta infections. so if you are not infected, you cannot transmit it. the virus doesn't have any new opportunities to mutate. but even in people who do get breakthrough infections, meaning postvaccination infections, you clear the virus out more quickly than had you not been vaccinated in the first place. . . . -- there are fewer chances and less time to allow it to escape and generate new variants. that is why i do think it will make a meaningful difference to have children get vaccinated. >> vaccinations are underway for five to 11-year-olds. in california, about 10% of that age group have gone the first shot. many parents are reluctant.

the cdc estimates 42% of kids have already been infected as of june. do you think that is the case? if it is, what does it suggest about whether kids need the vaccine? >> that number is -- i- i- to know what to make of that number. when i first heard it, it sounded high. these estimates, when they are not made on random samples of the population, they are not really representative of the population trying to estimate, you have to take it with a grain of salt. i'm sure there are some communities that have gotten hit hard by covid, that it could well be 42% or higher in some communities. look at it across the country, it is hard to know what it is. 42% sounds high. one thing i would say is for people who have recovered from covid, and i imagine children will be the same, there is some

degree of immunity. it is just varying from person-to-person. it is hard to know where you are at. one of the things we have learned is for people who have recovered from the infection and get a vaccine dose, that really maxes out the immune response. to the extent we have been able to tell the highest degree of immunity you can get. it gives you further protection. whether or not a second shot even after that helps, there is debate. i'm not very convinced a second shot give you much more. but one shot after having recovered makes a big difference. >> if you are recovered, you probably do not need the booster after you get the full vaccination and recovered? >> i think so. we have no evidence to suggest otherwise. >> what is the optimal time to get your booster? >should someone get it as soon s possible or wait until they have a big gathering coming up or somewhere they will face more exposure? >> i think this is one of the tough things.

there's a difference between what is immunologically optimal versus what might happen in their community. from an immunological standpoint, we have learned from this virus and viral immunology is the longer you wait, the better the booster shot works. there's a number of reasons for that. that has to get balanced to the community. in arizona, the cases are skyrocketing. in this case, you might want to get the shot sooner rather than later. in places where community translation is low, you can wait a little bit before the booster shot. >> bay area folks who cannot get an appointment, you would tell them not to panic? >> that is correct. >> we are running out of time. i want to address this. talk about the new antivirus pills that will hopefully be approved by the fda. any potential danger? are there any potentials to

trigger vaccine resistant variants? >> the mechanism by which the drugs work is very distinct from vaccines. i don't think it will in fact anything as far as vaccine escape variance. could you get drug resistant variant? theoretically, yes. if you look at how long the infection lasts and how much time the virus has to evade the drugs, probably not. we get problems with hiv, which causes infection for a lifetime. that is not really how the virus works. most people who study viral evolution don't think it will be a problem. >> i wish i had a whole half-hour with you, because i have more questions. i appreciate you taking the time before your thanksgiving holiday to help us learn more about the vaccines. >> thank you for having me. >> coming up next, we talk about a different kind of holiday safety. cooking for thanksgiving. an expert

>> we have addressed staying safe during the thanksgiving holiday when it comes to covid, but don't forget about the meal. from cooking the turkey to putting away leftovers, we have you covered. coining us is meredith carruthers. thank you for joining us. we appreciate your time. >> thank you for having me, it is great to talk about food safety. >> that is what we are thinking about. let's start with the turkey. most of us get them frozen. what is the best way to thaw it out, when should you start the process, and don't tell me i'm more allergic -- don't tell me i'm already too late. >> you might be too late for thursday if you wanted to thaw

it in the refrigerator. but there is still a possibility of doing it in time. it is safest in the refrigerator, because it keeps a safe temperature or the entire thawing process, but it takes a long time to do it. if you have a turkey over 15, 20 pounds, you might be cutting it close or too late for thanksgiving day. but there is the cold water method, submerging it in cold water, changing the water about every 30 minutes will ensure it continues the process. it will take about 30 minutes per pound. it will take a few hours or more. but it is faster than the refrigerator and will get your 30 thought out -- turkey thought out faster. you will find more if you are behind on thanksgiving day, it is safe to put in the oven frozen, but it will take longer to fully cooked. >> the results can be just as good? >> it depends, but often times, yes. >> if you plan on brining the

turkey, what steps should you take? >> it is best to have your turkey fully thought out to make sure it will go in to the skin and actual turkey properly. but you can still brine, even if it is partially frozen. the turkey has to be brining at a safe temperature. it has to be in the verdure reader or -- the refrigerator, or in a cooler with ice to keep it below 30 degrees fahrenheit. even in colder temperatures, not best to keep it outside in the garage, but refrigerator and cooler are your best bet. >> none of us want undercooked turkey, you get sick, or overcooked turkey, what is the ideal temperature and cooking time? >> thermometer on hand, that is the best way to tell if your turkey has been fully cooked to a safe internal temperature without overcooking it. pop up timers are a great tool to use.

we recommend a food thermometer in three places in your turkey. a pop up timer will test it in one place, the biggest part of the breast. three places need to come to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. the innermost part of the wing and innermost part of the thigh, out of the screen. you want to stick it into those three places. once they have come to the safe temperature of 165, your turkey is done. >> it will continue rising after you take it out? >> it often times will, just make sure it is best to come to 165 before you let it rest, to make sure the bacteria will be killed. >> to stuff or not to stuff? >> we don't recommend stuffing if you can avoid it. it creates more of a risk than it does doing it safely. it is more complicated if you do it safely.

but if you do a stuffed turkey, we recommend not stuffing it until right before you put it in the oven. that makes sure no extra bacteria will multiply in the cavity. bacteria really like moist, warm environments. that is what the inside of it will be. you have to make sure the stuffing comes to a safe temperature of 165. as it goes in the cavity, it is touching all the raw poultry juices, it becomes part of the turkey. the stuffing also has to hit 165 degrees. >> deep frying has become popular. i have had it. the crispy skin is really good. it is also a fire risk. what should you keep in mind to do it properly and ensure ideal temperature and cooking time? >> a lot of frying recommendation comes from personal safety. it is more risky to deep fry a turkey because it is so big and there is hot oil that can cause

burns. the turkey should be fully thought out before it goes in. the ice crystals will interact with the hot oil and vaporize it to steam and cause it to bubble up and bubble over and potentially splatter. it would not be good. it is best to make sure you lower in slowly and monitor it through the rest of its time, deep frying will cook it faster than something traditional like the oven. but pulling it out of the oil, you give it a few minutes to rest and take the internal temperature to make sure it has reached 165, same as any other cooking method before your turkey is considered safe. >> we have about 30 seconds. we want you to tell us about the hidden dangers and where the stuff can hide in the kitchen where people should keep track of coming in and out of thanksgiving. >> first thing is first, wash your hands. any time you touch food or move

things around, keep your hands clean. that is ultimately one of the biggest ways bacteria can transfer around your kitchen. you cannot see them, so you have to be vigilant. in observational studies, we found spice containers were contaminated with poultry bacteria. so washing your hands, k, utensils clean and following those will prevent the spread of bacteria around the kitchen. >> meredith carruthers, thank you for sharing your insight and expertise with us. >> thank you. if you have last-minute questions, give us a call at one-888-674-6854. we are open and are here to help. >> happy thanksgiving. >> coming up next, ready to hit the stores after you eat? maybe the internet for black friday deals?

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black friday is coming with deals for shoppers looking to score discounts on holiday gifts. before you hit the stores or hop online, there are things you should do. we have information you can use. black friday always scares me a little bit. that is why we wanted you on, to get us ready. before we get your best tips, i want to ask if the supply chain crisis might have an impact on prices are the selection of goods? >> i think it does. that is why we see this early black friday deal structure. not only businesses are concerned, but logistics companies are concerned about getting things to consumers this year. it is a top priority. >> what items might be affected most or hard-to-find?

>> i think everythinhink eve hit hard. most specifically is christmas goods. toys, furniture, they they getting hit the hardest. but that is coming back around. starting early is a good idea if you are planning on spending on some of the larger toys or furniture pieces to start early this year. >> which is where black friday comes in, but gives us money tips on things to look for. >> i think one of the problems with telling everyone to start early is sometimes it creates a frenzy feeling, or a fear of missing out. you've got to be conscious of it. make sure you go into the shopping season with a plan, itemize christmas gifts, and make sure you are staying on

budget. don't impulse buy because you see something, it doesn't mean you should buy it right away. a lot of times, we think we can't get something, we actually can. do your due diligence, be patient, but if you start planning now, we feel you have the highest probability of success. >> what about staying on budget? >> i would say write it down. make sure you itemize expenses, look at what you are spending for christmas. make sure you are staying on top of it. particularly towards the end of the year, that is when people go over budget, in december. this is actually some good news. if you start now and start spreading out these expenses over the next 30 to 45 days, it will be better for your budget and help you stay on track.

you are not doing something huge right up front. >> what about scams? >> scams, the problem is a lot of people are shopping online. online shopping can create scams. i would say be conscious on who you are buying from. we even see this down the line through amazon. make sure who you are buying from, or if there is a reseller on amazon, it is a legitimate company, you don't want something at your front door you did not actually order and it be the wrong item for christmas. i would be conscious of that. >> we've been moving towards giving fewer gifts that would be thrown out after a few months in favor of gives that last. what are some ideas for things or experiences in that category, things that last? >> i a financial planner. my initial reaction is a college savings plan. a 529 plan is a great way to

give your grandchild and make it a long-lasting gift. you can put the money in, get some incentives from the state of california if you're in california to do so. it is a great vehicle to not only give a gift about the supply chain bottlenecks where you don't have to worry about them, but something that can grow and come more impactful in the future. >> with a kid in college, i understand that advice. don't go away. we do have to take a short brea

♪ ♪ increased transportation benefits. one more thing you can rely on. one of many cost-saving medicare advantage benefits from scan health plan for 2022. call today, or ask your agent about scan health plan. thank you for joining us on thio interactive show getting answers today. we will be here every weekday at 3:00 on air and on livestream

answering your questions. world news tonight is next. i will see you at 4:00. tonight, several developing stories as we come on the air. and the breaking headline in the christmas parade tragedy. the suspect in court just a short time ago. shackled and in a bulletproof vest, now charged with intent intentional homicide. and we've just learned tonight a sixth victim, a child, has now died. and the new images emerging tonight after the crash. the home surveillance of the suspect and what he said as police were moving in. also tonight, as millions hit the road for thanksgiving, president biden and the major news on gas. the president tapping into u.s. oil reserves, releasing more than 50 million barrels of oil. tonight, the question, how soon before we see prices fall at the pump? the jury now deliberating in the ahmaud arbery case