An array of activists, scientists and politicians said Wednesday that the Biden administration’s inconclusive report on the origins of the coronavirus pandemic demonstrates the need for further probes, even if that leads the United States into delicate geopolitical territory.
When Covid-19 vaccines were reported last fall to be roughly 95% effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infections, the world rejoiced — and even veteran scientists were blown away. Very few vaccines are that protective. Now, however, our soaring expectations for Covid-19 vaccines are in the process of sinking back to earth.
As COVID-19 vaccination numbers slowly rise amid the spread of the delta variant of the virus, breakthrough cases of those who were previously vaccinated have continued, resulting in some hesitant to get vaccinated to further doubt the vaccines.
The Food and Drug Administration has given full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. This could help convince people who may have resisted the vaccine and lead to more mandates.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those 16 and older, announced Monday, is expected to pave the way for more vaccine mandates, including for teachers. But there are still many logistics to work out, including what happens to the teachers who refuse to get a shot.
Scientists are raising serious questions about the wisdom of the push for Covid-19 boosters unveiled on Wednesday by President Joe Biden. It’ll be hard to judge whether extra shots for the vaccinated will be helpful or counterproductive until more of the data behind the decision become available.
Biden administration officials say the federal government is thinking about offering boosters to people starting about eight months after they’ve been fully vaccinated. But is it too soon to start talking about boosters for the general public?
