The FDA fully approves Pfizer and BioNTech's shot, experts question boosters, and the FDA warns against using Ivermectin. Here's what you should know: Headlines Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine receives full approval from the FDA Today the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer and BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine, making it the first shot to receive this designation. The full approval applies to people who are 16 and older, but teens between 12 and 15 will still be able to get vaccinated thanks to the existing emergency use authorization. Full approval is expected to make it easier for employers and others to mandate vaccination, and some say it may also make a difference for people who are still hesitant to get the shot. The FDA is also expected to fully approve Moderna's vaccine in the near future. The White House's decision to offer boosters raises questions from experts When the Biden administration announced Covid boosters for healthy, fully vaccinated Americans last week, it stoked an unusually strong reaction from researchers and policymakers. Some experts have said that the research the White House cited in its decision seems more dramatic than it really is, basing the case for boosters on preventing cases that would be considered "mild," though federal authorities pointed out that immunity is likely to wane further. Others have pointed out ethical issues raised by offering Americans boosters when more than 5 billion people remain unvaccinated worldwide. According to critics, this move could change the world's view of the US. The FDA warns people not to use livestock drug Ivermectin to treat or prevent Covid-19 On Saturday the FDA announced that Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic used for livestock, should not be taken by those wishing to treat or prevent cases of Covid-19. The statement comes in response to an increase in incidents of Ivermectin ingestion, particularly in Mississippi, where two-thirds of recent calls to the state's poison control center were related to the drug. The Mississippi State Department of Health also issued a statement similar to the FDA's. Last year a few studies motivated people to try using the drug to treat Covid-19, especially in Latin America. Daily Distraction A new documentary about Anthony Bourdain uses an unconventional, and some argue unethical, tool to bring the deceased chef and author to life: deepfakes. Something to Read Research has shown that, even in 2021, name discrimination is still very much with us, and what you're called can have a dishearteningly significant bearing on how others see you. Which raises the question: Can your name ruin your life? Sanity Check Between the pandemic and a burning planet, these are trying times. Unfortunately, this means it might be worth studying up on how to prepare for disasters. We're here to help. One Question Is it normal for viruses to mutate? All viruses mutate over time, as they spread from person to person. The novel coronavirus is no exception, but new strains have emerged that seem to be more infectious, notably the Delta variant, now the dominant strain in the US. The good news is that, so far, the vaccines we have are still largely effective at preventing serious illness. And not all variants are cause for alarm. As scientists boost genetic sequencing to trace these and other mutations more effectively and vaccination drives continue, the advent of these strains means it's more important than ever to abide by social distancing guidelines. Covid-19 Care Package 📦 To end this pandemic and prevent future ones, we'll need a good way to track and surveil emerging diseases. Here's a look at the latest efforts. 😷 Masks may no longer be mandatory where you live, but it's still a good idea to have a few around. Here are the best masks you can buy, or how to make one at home. 💉 Vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself and others against Covid-19. Here's how to get an appointment in your area. 💻 Whether or not you're a work-from-home pro, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 🚗 Itching for a vacation but not quite ready to get on a plane? Hit the road instead. Here's everything you need to plan a post-pandemic road trip. 👋 So you're fully vaccinated! Congrats. Here are some ways you can let others know. 🦠 Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. |
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