The physicians cite public distrust of vaccines and criticism of government agencies during the pandemic. They say that while they trust the US scientific and ethical rigor, they think many Americans will be skeptical of the findings of an FDA committee, especially since some of its members work for pharmaceutical companies and government agencies, according to the roster currently on the FDA website. Adding a layer of independent review may reassure Americans that the shot is safe and effective.
YOU ASKED. WE ANSWERED
Q: If a pregnant woman gets Covid-19, will her baby be infected? And can babies get coronavirus through breastfeeding?But infected mothers are unlikely to pass coronavirus to their newborns when appropriate precautions are taken. A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found no cases of viral transmission among 120 babies born to 116 mothers with coronavirus - even when both shared a room and the mothers breastfed.
WHAT'S IMPORTANT TODAY
India becomes the world's third deadliest Covid-19 countryThe country of 1.3 billion saw 78,512 new Covid-19 infections yesterday, the fifth consecutive day of more than 75,000 daily new cases. Despite the high numbers, the union territory, which includes Delhi, prepares to resume metro rail services, which cater to an estimated 1.5 million people per day.
More than 25 million people have now been infected around the world. The US leads the grim tally, with its case count fast approaching 6 million. Brazil and India have both reported well over 3.5 million cases. Russia looks set to become the fourth country to reach 1 million cases later this week.
With borders shut, Americans are trapped in their own healthcare systemPandemic travel restrictions have made Americans prisoners of their country. Even within North America, Mexico and Canada have closed thousands of miles of border to all but essential travel, roiling plans for vacation, work, and school. For cash-strapped Americans, it has also cut off access to medicines and healthcare services that they can't afford at home - at a time when money is tighter than ever.
Stephanie Boland's nine-year-old son was diagnosed with diabetes in December. Traveling to Canada to fill his insulin prescription took a half-day's drive from where they live in Brainerd, Minnesota, but it was worth it - the purchase was a simple, over-the-counter affair. One pack of injection pens, which would last several months, cost less than a hundred dollars, she says, compared to a list price of $530 at home.
Is the $5, five minutes coronavirus test any good?"The PCR molecular tests actually test for the virus' genetic material and the antigen test is testing for one of the viral proteins, so a piece of the virus," said Dr. Jonathan Quick, managing director for pandemic response, preparedness and prevention at the Rockefeller Foundation. The downside? They are not as sensitive and therefore less reliable than the traditional PCR tests. Quick said the PCR test will always have a role as a highly accurate diagnostic test, but the antigen test will be used as a screening test for asymptomatic people.
Europe's fight against Covid-19 shifts from hospitals to the streets Once again, there's one rule for elites and another for everyone elseON OUR RADAR
TOP TIPS
Planet-friendly activities that are good for your body and pandemic possibleWhat's the perfect pandemic hobby? As people across the globe have adjusted their lives to Covid-19, activities as varied as bread baking and gaming have trended.
But while carbs and screen time can bring a satisfying rush of endorphins, the ideal Covid pastime should offer more sustaining thrills.
TODAY'S PODCAST
"When you walked those floors in April, a total quiet, everybody either on a vent or in ICU ... and you walk down the hall and you know a good percent of these people probably won't make it. That was our reality." - Michael Dowling, Northwell Health CEO