Forbes - Who Pays For A Vaccine?

Plus: Russia implements nationwide mask mandate

As Covid-19 cases continue to surge across the country, all eyes are on the upcoming prospect of a Covid-19 vaccine. Biotech company Novavax just announced that it will launch phase 3 trials of its vaccine in the U.S. by the end of November, and other companies have said that they will have a vaccine ready for FDA approval by that time. But as we get closer to the reality of having a vaccine, another question arises: who will approve it, and who will pay for it? Today, we got some preliminary answers to both. Four west coast states have announced a new coalition to review any potential new Covid-19 vaccine before distribution to make sure it didn’t go through the regulatory process too quickly. And the government will reportedly soon announce that all out-of-pocket costs for getting a Covid-19 will be covered for people who have Medicaid and Medicare. No word yet on how much a vaccine might cost for those with private or employer-sponsored insurance.

Business

Stocks had their worst losses in over a month today as the possibility of a stimulus bill before the election is squashed. 

Pharma giant Eli Lilly abruptly ended a trial of its new Covid-19 antibody treatment after findings showed the treatment was unlikely to work. 

Health insurance company Centene reported higher enrollment numbers, revenue and profits thanks to the pandemic.

Science & Health

A new study found that many hospitalized Covid-19 patients were Vitamin D deficient, but more research needs to be done to know if and how these two factors are related. 

A large contact tracing study in India showed that Covid-19 most often spreads between people of the same age, and that no age group is immune to contracting or transmitting the virus.  

Physicians groups refute the President’s claim that doctors are overcounting Covid-19 deaths to make more money.

On The Upside

Hero Gamers: Citizen scientists are donating the processing power of their computers and video game consoles to try and find a treatment for Covid-19.