Forbes - AstraZeneca Vaccine Effective In U.S.

Plus: AZ and WV latest to announce Covid-19 vaccine openings

This morning, AstraZeneca announced that in U.S. phase 3 clinical trials its vaccine was found to be 79% effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19, and 100% effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalization. The company plans to apply for an emergency authorization from the FDA and, if so authorized, could be  an incredible addition to the U.S. vaccine arsenal at a time when some areas of the country are experiencing a significant rise in cases. Across the Atlantic, however, the vaccine remains mired in controversy. Even though the World Health Organizations and other medical experts continue to back the vaccine, scares over blood clots have continued to shake the trust of patients in the European Union.

Business

The IRS will send out the second round of stimulus payments this week via paper checks, prepaid debit cards and direct deposit. 

Here’s how Walgreens and CVS plan to help President Biden vaccinate 200 million Americans. 

Science & Health

The P.1 Covid-19 variant which has dominated Brazil has now been reported in New York. 

European countries that paused the AstraZeneca vaccine could lead to an increase in anti-vaccine sentiment. 

A new poll shows that one in four Americans have witnessed Asians being blamed for the Covid-19 pandemic.

What Else We Are Reading

• Vaccine Passports Won’t Get Us Out of the Pandemic (New York Times)

• Most of the World Has a Simple Vaccine Request. America Isn’t Listening. (The New Republic)

• The Next COVID-19 Nightmare for People of Color Is Proving They Got the Shot (Daily Beast)