Pfizer says its vaccine protects younger teens, WHO head expresses concern about report on the origins of Covid-19, and case counts rise among younger people. Here's what you should know: Headlines Pfizer announces its vaccine protects teens from Covid-19 Pfizer announced today that its coronavirus vaccine is safe and effective in teens as young as 12. The drugmaker's small study of US volunteers ages 12 to 15 has not yet been published, but preliminary data showed no cases of Covid-19 among fully vaccinated participants. Side effects were similar to those observed in adults. Pfizer and BioNTech are expected to apply for emergency use authorization for this age group from the FDA and European regulators in the coming weeks. WHO head, US, and other countries voice concern about the report on the pandemic's origins Yesterday, the WHO and Chinese experts released a joint report on the origins of Covid-19, which said that a lab leak was unlikely, and the virus probably got from bats to humans via another animal. The same day, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that all hypotheses require further investigation, and that the WHO team required more data from Chinese officials. The US and 13 allies also released a statement about the report and asked that China give "full access" to researchers. Young people make up a majority of new cases, providing further evidence of vaccine efficacy Case counts are rising in the US again, and experts have warned this week that we need to stay vigilant. But, doctors say, there's a sliver of good news: People under 60 make up a majority of new cases, which is evidence that the vaccines, which have been administered largely so far to older Americans, are working. Earlier this week, the CDC reported that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are 90 percent effective in the real world. Daily Distraction A year into quarantine, street photography is a reminder of what life looked like when we could gather freely with each other. A new book of images by women photographers captures the beauty of "normal" life. Something to Read A French fraudster who pretended to be a Taiwanese adventurer around 1700. A psychological novel published in 1913. Catfishing may seem like a digital phenomenon, but it's been around for far longer than the internet. Sanity Check To recreate a yoga studio at home, you don't need a ton of space—you just need to be a little flexible. One Question How can I get a Covid-19 vaccine? As more states expand eligibility, you may be wondering how you'll get a vaccine appointment when your time comes. The first step is to figure out where you fall in your state's rollout process. Then, you'll want to find a vaccination site nearby where you can get your shot. These could be drugstores, local health departments, or other health centers. The process for making your appointment may vary, but resources like VaccineFinder can help you get started. When you go for your appointment, you'll likely want to bring ID and an insurance card, or any other proof of your eligibility (e.g., proof of employment or a medical condition, if relevant). If you're not yet eligible, you always have the option of showing up at a vaccination site at the end of the day just in case they have leftover doses. Covid-19 Care Package 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of days, depending on the surface. Here's a look at the research. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 Whether or not you're a work-from-home pro, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can protect yourself and your family without spiraling and how to not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. |