PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.
By Eve Sneider | 04.28.22 | Denmark halts its vaccination program, cases rise in the US, and China invests in infrastructure as lockdowns take a toll on the economy. But first, here's this week's big story: |  | Today Moderna applied for emergency use authorization from the FDA for its vaccine for children between the ages of six months and five years. It consists of two shots administered four weeks apart, and a decision from the agency is expected in June. Clinical trial results released last month found that while the vaccine was not particularly good at protecting against infection, there were reportedly no cases of severe illness, hospitalization, or death among trial participants. Earlier this week, Pfizer asked the FDA to authorize a third shot for kids five to 11, and the drugmaker is also preparing to apply for authorization from the FDA for its three-shot course for children under five. The FDA delayed approval in February after two shots were found to be less than 50 percent effective at protecting against symptomatic illness. With the arrival of each new variant, from Delta to Omicron, the wait for vaccines has grown increasingly challenging for many parents of younger kids. And even once shots for children are approved, administering them could be a challenge. But it will be an important step in ensuring the protection of the entire population, not least because new variants will likely continue to emerge. | | Denmark became the first country to stop its broad vaccination efforts yesterday. But people will be able to finish their course of shots, and sites will stay open. Authorities have added that new shots to protect against variants may be necessary come fall. (CNBC) Cases in the US have risen more than 30 percent in the past week, but thanks to a combination of halted funding for lab programs and relaxation of most public health measures, experts say detecting future waves could be a challenge. (WIRED) Chinese president Xi Jinping announced that the country is going to spend big on infrastructure to bolster its economy, which has taken a heavy hit from recent Covid lockdowns in Shanghai and other major cities. (CNN) The CDC reported that 60 percent of Americans and 75 percent of children had been infected by the coronavirus by last February, thanks in large part to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant last winter. (New York Times) Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for Covid-19 this week, just after returning from a weeklong trip to the West Coast. The president is not considered a close contact. (Associated Press) | | Black artists have woven Afrofuturism into their work for decades. In her new short story collection, The Memory Librarian, acclaimed musician Janelle Monáe brings that tradition to a new form. | | If you've ever had an idea for a fun new emoji, now's your chance to make it a reality. The official online submission window is open until the end of July. | |
