On Saturday, the CDC followed in the FDA’s footsteps and recommended that all children 6 months through 5 years of age get a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. While the CDC calls it “another important step forward” in the US fight against the virus, some parents are still saying ‘we’ve got questions.’ Like…
Are they safe?
Vaccine experts, the FDA, and the CDC say the shots are effective and safe. Reminder: while only about 3% of COVID-19 cases in the US to date were in kids 6 months to 4 years old, hospitalization and death rates in that group are higher than those for older children. COVID-19 has been the fifth leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, killing over 400 since the beginning of the pandemic. But that’s not all. A recent small study from Israel found that long COVID may be linked to the mysterious cases of hepatitis that have been popping up in children recently.
Is there a better of the two vaccines?
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the same recipe as the adult ones…just in smaller doses. Pfizer says its vaccine was 80% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 after the third dose. But the FDA said they don’t have enough data to reach “definitive conclusions” on the vaccine’s effectiveness after three doses. That third dose may be key since it’s only 28% effective after just two.
And Moderna’s?
It only has two shots. That series was 51% effective in preventing symptomatic infection in kids 6 months to 2 years old. And 37% effective for kids 2 through 5. Both trials took place while Omicron was prevalent.
Are there side effects?
Both were minimal. Think: irritability, drowsiness, pain at the injection site, and non-severe fevers. No children in the trials developed myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, and a rare risk seen in some older children and teens who received the vaccine. Experts say the small trials may not have been big enough to detect rare side effects. But the condition has been far more prevalent in people who get COVID itself.
What if my child had COVID-19?
The CDC says even if kids have already had the virus, they should still get vaccinated. Experts say immunity from the virus decreases over time. But since immediate reinfection may be rare, some doctors have recommended waiting up to 90 days post-infection before getting vaccinated.
Where can people go to get it?
Parents can begin scheduling vaccine appointments at pediatricians’ offices, children’s hospitals, and pharmacies starting this week. Head to vaccines.gov to check for vaccine availability and appointments. The government isn't requiring the shots for things like going to school — but that could change.
theSkimm
About 20 million kids now suddenly qualify for vaccines. Some parents have been waiting for this moment for a very long time. Others — even some parents who got vaccinated — still have concerns. We spoke to two experts to break it all down.
And Also...This
What’s got an update…
FINA. Over the weekend, the world governing body for swimming voted to effectively ban most transgender women from participating in swimming competitions. The new policy only allows athletes to compete on gendered teams if they transition before 12 or the beginning of puberty. But FINA proposed a new “open” category that would allow people to compete if they don’t meet the new requirements. More than 71% of FINA’s members voted in favor of the policy, which contradicts last year's International Olympic Committee's recommendation to move away from measuring testosterone levels. FINA says adding sex and sex-linked traits to determine eligibility criteria is necessary to level the playing field because of the "performance gap" created during puberty. One LGBTQ+ advocate called the policy “unscientific” and “deeply discriminatory.”
While some states are hitting the polls, elections are also shaking things up in …
France. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party lost the majority in parliament. It comes almost two months after Macron fought an uphill battle to remain president. Now the parliament is split, with the far-right party on track to win 90 seats. Macron will need to find a way to create an alliance with other parties. Otherwise, the opposition will be able to do everything from putting forward no-confidence votes to swaying legislation. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen (and former opponent) called the election news a “seismic event.” Macron’s finance minister called the results a “democratic shock.“
Colombia. On Sunday, the country elected its first leftist president, Gustavo Petro. The former member of the M-19 guerrilla movement won more than 50% of the vote, beating a prominent businessman. Petro promised to stop new oil exploration and to raise taxes on the rich. His running mate, Francia Marquez, also snagged a first. An environmental activist and single mother, she will serve as the country’s first Black vice president. One supporter called the win a “change for the better.” Meanwhile, the win has Colombia’s armed forces worried they will face structural changes.
…Oh and Israel is getting a new PM and the country is headed toward its fifth election in four years after announcing plans to dissolve parliament.
Who’s biting back at corporate…
Apple employees. Over the weekend, employees at an Apple store in Maryland voted to unionize — the company’s first US store to do so. Other Apple stores in Atlanta and New York have also launched plans to form unions. The move comes as a wave of employees across the country are also trying to improve job conditions through collective bargaining (hi, Amazon, Starbucks, and Delta). A labor union leader called the vote a “historic victory.”
PS: Labor unions have made a comeback during the pandemic. Here's why.
When it comes to mortgage rates, brokerage fees, and closing costs, those interior design mood boards miiight not cut it. Join us tomorrow, June 22 at 7:30pm ET for our virtual panel, SkimmU Special Edition: Home Buying, with real estate experts Amanda Pendleton, Mika Kleinschmidt, and Ciara Foster. Presented by Zillow. You won’t want to miss it — sign up now.
Thing to Know
18
The number of family leave days that new dads generally take. Compare that to 54 days – the average taken by new moms. Only about a quarter of U.S workers have access to paid family leave. And let’s be honest here, it’s mostly women who take it anyway. Some dads fear a potential loss of income and others don’t think their work schedules are flexible enough to allow for it. But there are a number of benefits to dads taking family leave. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Lash and brow makeup that’s totally wink-worthy. This VolumeEYES set will have all eyes on you…r eyes. With a mascara that easily layers for thicker-looking lashes. And a brow gel that’s a taming, tinting dream. Eye-conic.*
2. A vitamin for kiddos that’s not just candy in disguise. Finally. These sugar-free, one-a-day vitamins are made with 15 essential nutrients and 12 fruits and veggies. Plus they’re vegan, gluten-free, and have zero dyes. Oh, and, Skimm’rs get 50% off their first order. Win-win.*
3. A summer sweat you’ll actually appreciate. This brand pairs you with a coach who’ll help you train as much as you want, when you want. Use their app to share workouts you loved (and when you need a break). PS: Skimm’rs get a special discount.*
4. Nutritious, chef-crafted meals delivered to your doorstep. Clean eating can get boring. But this brand’s ready-to-eat meals are *chef’s kiss.* Plus they have meal plans for lots of different lifestyles. Keto and vegan included. And Skimm’rs get $120 off their first five boxes. Yes, please.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Painting positivity…Antoinette M (MD). She is the first in her family to graduate with a doctorate degree. Now she’s pursuing her dream of getting an MFA in painting after receiving a prestigious fellowship.
(Some) Birthdays…Gabe Aprati (IL), Marcy Becker (OH), Alyssa Higgins (CA), Shelly Dararak (WA), Jennevieve Fong (CA), Sarah Boddy (TX), Courtney Turiano (NY), Beth Bogle (MN), Kristie Kaaa (HI), Karin Graham (FL), Patricia Lazos (CA), Heidi Rubenstein (MA), Emily Madore (CT), Andrea Fasano (NY), Christina Joyner (NC)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
We texted with comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish about her favorite job before fame, advice from Queen Latifah, and her self-care routine (who doesn't love gummy vitamins?). Check out the full video.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Winner has a nice ring to it. Introducing: theSkimm Loyalty Program's first-ever Sweepstakes*. We’re giving away 10 swag bundles (think: a very cushy yoga mat, water bottle that’ll last, and extra-soft t–shirt). Log in and head to the rewards section of your member dashboard to enter to win. Not a member yet? Sign up for free and start reaping the rewards.
*Terms and Conditions apply for theSkimm Loyalty Program Summer Sweepstakes occurring between June 15, 2022 and June 30, 2022. By joining and/or entering, you affirm that you have read and agree to the T&Cs. Reach out to loyalty@theSkimm.com for questions.
Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
Skimm'd while chatting with Angelica Ross June 18, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Weekend with a bike Skimm'd while chatting with Angelica Ross What's Happening …in your watchlist: A new
Skimm'd with the green mattress of our dreams June 17, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Woman and son reading on Avocado mattress bed Together with Avocado Skimm'd with the green mattress of
Skimm'd while shopping for last-minute Father's Day gifts June 15, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Rooster on newspaper Skimm'd while shopping for last-minute Father's Day gifts “
The idea of owning a home lives in our heads rent-free. But a hot housing market and soaring prices can make buying a property feel impossible. Join us for SkimmU Special Edition: Home Buying, a live
Skimm'd while thinking about our weekend plans June 16, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Toaster and Avocado Toast Skimm'd while thinking about our weekend plans “Enjoying myself” — One man,
The anti-denim trends taking over. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 12.23.2024 It's finally here. The week in which emails are set on vacation mode, sweatpants are the daily uniform, and eating
Today in style, self, culture, and power. The Cut December 23, 2024 Presented by YEAR IN REVIEW The Year of the Bisexual Once a pop-culture punch line, bisexuals spiced up some of the year's
Plus, Beyoncé's holiday twist on the cowboycore trend, your daily horoscope, and more. Dec. 23, 2024 Bustle Daily A front-row seat at the red-sauce ballet. FOOD A Front-Row Seat At The Red-Sauce
How to Get a Free Car If You Can't Afford One. Not all checking accounts are created equal, and some are created for specific people. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter online.
— Check out what we Skimm'd for you today December 23, 2024 Subscribe Read in browser Header Image But first: unlock more of what you love with a premium Skimm+ membership Update location or View
Earth put a roaring halt / to our empty rabid existence December 23, 2024 donate 2020 A Year to Forget Nancy Mercado Earth put a roaring halt to our empty rabid existence ceasing marathon plastic
It's gorgeous. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 12.22.2024 And The #1 Hair Color Trend Of 2025 Will Be... (Hair) And The #1 Hair Color Trend Of 2025 Will Be... “New Year, New You!” Read More
These Apps Can Help You Remotely Access Your Computer. Social security is a big part of most people's retirement plans. But there are ways to lose some—or all—of your benefits, so be careful out