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"Doctor" – How to refer to people with a doctorate degree. Right, Dr. Jill Biden?

It's Happening

The Story

The US officially has a COVID-19 vaccine.

I could cry.

We all could – but it's not over yet. On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use. The formal blessing came amid a growing pandemic that's claimed nearly 300,000 lives in the US and has infected over 16 million people. Now, after months of trials and rigorous reviews, the gov's rolling out the Pfizer vaccine in the biggest vaccination effort in American history. Here's what you need to know:

Who gets the vaccine first?

The FDA's approval is for people 16 and older. But the CDC has recommended that the country's approximately 21 million health care workers and 3 million long-term care residents get priority. The states are likely to follow that rec. It's a two-dose vaccine, so after getting the first shot, people will have to get the second dose three weeks later.

Got it. And what about everyone else?

Gov officials have said there should be enough vaccines for everyone in the spring. And President-elect Joe Biden's vowed to distribute 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office. He could have a good shot at achieving that, since other vaccine options (hi, Moderna) could become available. Chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are also taking steps to distribute coronavirus vaccines – expanding access to people across the country.

How's this vaccine being distributed?

Trucks carrying the first shipments of the vaccine hit the road to all 50 states yesterday. And they're carrying quite the precious cargo. Think: dry ice containers to keep them at a very cold -94°F. Pfizer's expected to deliver 2.9 million doses for now, and the first batches could arrive at hospitals and clinics as early as today.

Is it safe?

The FDA found "no specific safety concerns." And Pfizer has run tests that included about 44,000 people and found the vaccine's efficacy was consistent "across age, gender, race, and ethnicity." Like with other vaccines, some mild to moderate side effects are common: swelling, muscle pain, redness at the injection site, fatigue, and sometimes a fever. The FDA is advising that people with severe allergic reactions to any of the vaccine's ingredients hold off on getting the shot for now.

How much does it cost?

The gov's giving the vaccines for free. But providers (hospitals, clinics) can charge a fee for administering it. However, your insurer will be expected to pay those fees, and the federal gov will have a separate pool of funds for people who are uninsured.

theSkimm

Pfizer's vaccine approval is nothing short of historic – arriving less than a year after the pandemic struck the US. And it comes as the country has surpassed more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day. Now, the work of getting people vaccinated begins.

And Also...This

Who made the final call…

SCOTUS. On Friday, it rejected a Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn the presidential election. Reminder: Last week, Texas AG Ken Paxton (R) sued Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Michigan saying they acted unconstitutionally by expanding mail-in voting amid the pandemic. 17 Republican state AGs and President Trump supported the lawsuit. But the Supremes said Texas lacked standing and dismissed the suit. It was a blow to President Trump, who hoped a solidly conservative majority would take his side. It's the latest in the Trump campaign's fight against election fraud – something federal officials, including AG William Barr, say they're still waiting for evidence of.

• Some are angry: A day after the ruling, Trump supporters – including far-right group the Proud Boys – protested in Washington, DC, over the election results. Clashes between "Stop the Steal" protesters and counter-protesters ended in multiple stabbings and dozens of arrests.

• Final steps: The Electoral College is expected to meet today and cast votes for president and vice president. And are expected to vote 306-232 in favor of President-elect Joe Biden. But results from that vote aren't formally announced until Jan 6, when VP Mike Pence will read them out.

What's raising alarms…

These hacks. Yesterday, the Trump admin acknowledged that a group backed by a foreign government hacked into US gov networks, including in the Treasury and Commerce Departments. It's unclear what information was compromised, but the hackers reportedly had access to gov agencies' email systems. And officials believe the hacks could have started as early as spring, amid the pandemic and election season. Officials are investigating who is behind the hacks, but experts suspect a Russian intelligence agency. And say the breaches are connected to another hack on FireEye, a US cybersecurity company that works with the fed gov. It wouldn't be the first time Russia's been suspected. Just last week, the National Security Agency warned that "Russian state-sponsored actors" were exploiting flaws in gov networks. Russia has denied responsibility.

What's hitting the snooze button...

Brexit. Yesterday, the UK and the European Union extended their deadline on trade talks as the two iron out details to avoid a no-deal Brexit. PM Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have been in talks for days and have often fallen to a stalemate on things like fishing rights, fair competition rules, and how to resolve trade disputes. If they can't work it on out, the UK would still bow out of the EU on December 31 but would have its trade rules set up by the World Trade Organization, which could mean more tariffs. Rubbish.

...Oh and in the US, President Trump signed a stopgap funding bill, snoozing a gov shutdown until the end of the week. Congress now has a few more days to debate a larger spending bill.

Who people are remembering…

Charley Pride. Over the weekend, the country music star and first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame died at the age of 86 of complications from COVID-19. Pride's last performance was at the CMA Awards, where he received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Dolly Parton remembered him as one of her "dearest and oldest friends." And many fans took to social media to honor and remember Pride. But some voiced their concerns that the singer may have gotten infected at the awards show (which was held indoors). The CMAs refuted the claims. RIP.

Who's apparently ready to make changes…

The Cleveland Indians. This week, the Major League Baseball team reportedly plans to announce it's dropping "Indians" from its title. The move comes amid backlash from fans and Native American groups who said the name was offensive.

What people have been waiting half a century for…

This code to be cracked.

Who's giving a shout-out to the real heroes…

Marvel.

Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown

Netflix is about to drop Shondaland's "Bridgerton," a witty period drama about finding love in the London marriage market in 1813. And we invited the narrator, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews), to this century to share some advice. See what she has to say here. Preview coming in 3,2,1…

Dear reader, one would be wise to remember that cuffing season is upon us. And swiping right on every suitor is an unimaginative and oft ill-fated road toward a true love match. Today's "cuffing season" seems rather akin to the social season of my own time. One must only replace lavish balls and family approval with "Netflix and chilling." Oh, how refreshingly intimate. Read on.

Watch the premiere of "Bridgerton" December 25, only on Netflix. One would be rather foolish to miss it.

What Happens Next

Merriam-Webster may have picked "pandemic," but we say "exhausting" is the word of the year. The US presidential election was called weeks ago. And not everyone agrees it's over. There have been legal challenges, investigations, and recounts on recounts. Oh, and we won't know which party will control the Senate until we get the results from runoff races in January. It's...a LOT to keep up with. Now, the good news: The Economist can help you look forward. Their post-election coverage goes deep. Dig into county-by-county election results. Find out who President-elect Biden wants on his Cabinet and what his policy priorities are. Keep calm and read on.

Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today…

1. 20 essential dishes to get on your Hanukkah menu ASAP. Featuring all of the major food groups: jelly doughnuts and latkes.

2. A wardrobe upgrade from you to you. Get a pair of these skinny jeans after you're done holiday shopping. They're part Italian-milled denim, part yoga pants, and alllll sorts of flattering. PS: Skimm'rs get free shipping and returns. Wearing is believing.*

3. A calendar they'll actually want to unwrap. Because it has pictures of them...or you, or their kids, or their pets, or their fave places. Plus custom messages on dates that are important to them. Oh, and there are more personalized gifts where that came from. Make them smile.*

PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.

For when they want something cozy...

These super soft socks were made to be gifted. Literally. For every pair you purchase, they donate a pair to someone in need. They've donated over 40 million pairs so far. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off their first order. Help them keep giving.*

For when 2020 was not your year…

Join the club. Then treat yo'self to this celeb-fave wellness brand's Metabolism Super Powder. So you can start 2021 with more energy and less bloating. Psst...Skimm'rs get 20% off. Talk about happy and healthy.*

For when your skin is not merry and bright…

Don't fret. Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum has three powerful, hydrating ingredients that work together to quench your skin. And leave it looking smoother and brighter. Glow all season long.*

For when you can't pick what to eat...

Ask your genes. This DNA kit will show you what nutrients your body needs, and whether you're sensitive to things like gluten or lactose. Plus, they have a holiday sale happening...now. Ready, set, go.*

Skimm’rs

In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.

One day at a time...Megan M (DE). She's part of the Executive Board for UDance at the University of Delaware. And is working with the B+ Foundation to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. Join the fight.

Gifting away...Hannah V (IL). She founded so very great, a company that partners with original artists from Vietnam. And is committed to donating some of her proceeds to local nonprofits. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Katie Boes (NY), Sydney Wiener (NY), Nancy Schulman (NY), Danielle King (PA), Victoria Chen (NY), Sajel Lala (LA), Anupma Sahay (PA), Catherine Weisz (FL), Alana Lerner (MA), Dana Schawelson (NY), Nora Abramov (NY), Mandy Curtis (TX), Nadia Bhagudas (FL), Breanna Oxley (IA), Sally Shashoua (TX), Liz Andrews (CO)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm Share

Skimm HQ exchanged latkes recipes. Share theSkimm with your family who's made a latke board (think: cheese board...but with latkes).

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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