| Vaccination rates spike, questions arise around off-label vaccines for kids, and the federal eviction ban ends. Here's what you should know: Headlines US vaccination rates rose in August, thanks in part to vaccine mandates About 14 million Americans received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in August, up about 4 million from July. White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeffrey Zients said yesterday that this is thanks, at least in part, to the introduction of more and more vaccine mandates. In Washington state, for example, the weekly vaccination rate rose 34 percent after it was announced that all state employees, teachers, and school staff would need to get inoculated. The CDC hasn't released any data about whether the FDA's full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is boosting vaccination rates, but the agency has said it's hopeful the decision will be a boon. Some ask whether off-label prescriptions could be a backdoor to vaccinating kids As soon as Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine received full FDA approval last week, parents, physicians, and scientists began arguing about whether it would be ethical to give kids Covid vaccines by prescribing them "off-label"—offering a drug for a purpose or in a population not studied during its approval process. This is legal and common in pediatric medicine. Even so, experts and officials have strongly discouraged it, pointing out that clinical trials have shown some adverse effects in young recipients, and contend that it's worth waiting until we have a better sense of the risk to kids. Some 3.5 million households risk eviction as federal moratorium ends The US' eviction ban ended yesterday after the Supreme Court rejected Biden's latest moratorium last week, and Goldman Sachs estimates that as many as 3.5 million households across the country are now at risk of losing their homes. Just 10 percent of available federal rent assistance had gone out to renters by the end of July, and many tenants behind on rent are in large cities with tight housing markets, both of which are factors that put people at risk. White House officials have called on states to impose their own eviction bans, and some already have plans to do so. New York, for example, is expected to extend its moratorium. Daily Distraction For centuries, life drawing classes have looked more or less the same: a model holding a pose surrounded by artists at work. But the pandemic changed everything—and that might be a good thing. Something to Read If you're reading this newsletter, you've probably seen at least part of a Pixar movie. But chances are you've never heard of Alvy Ray Smith, the 77-year-old computer scientist who cofounded the animation studio, then fell into the shadows. Now he's emerged to tell his story. Sanity Check Good wireless earbuds make a world of difference when you're working out. Here are a few of our favorites on the market. One Question I'm vaccinated. When should I be wearing a mask? Because Delta replicates quickly, there's a higher chance that even vaccinated people can shed some of the virus while their bodies are fending it off. The best way to shed less virus, thereby protecting others and yourself? Wear a mask. If you're immune-compromised, you should be wearing a mask in any indoor setting outside of the house and any outdoor setting that's crowded or brings you into close contact with people for an extended period. Anyone on school grounds should mask during the day, per CDC guidance. As for vaccinated people with properly functioning immune systems, masking indoors is advisable if you're around people from outside your household or in areas with substantial or high transmission—which, right now, means most of the US. Outdoors, the CDC says you need to mask only when you're in a crowded area with high transmission or are close to others. And it's important to remember, too, that high-quality masks make a difference. 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 not be mandatory where you live, but they're still recommended for many situations. 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. | 
