Friday on Political Rewind: We looked at the latest news about the coronavirus. We tackled your questions about the new omicron variant, and where it is likely is it to become the dominant strain of COVID in Georgia. How will schools, public spaces and travel change in the coming months?
Protein subunit vaccines work by injecting people with a tiny portion of a virus. In the case of the COVID-19 vaccine, that tiny portion is the spike protein that the coronavirus uses to enter cells.
Pfizer's CEO says the vaccine maker has asked federal regulators to authorize boosters for 16- and 17-year-olds. Currently, only people 18 and over are eligible for a booster in the U.S.
If the Food and Drug Administration authorizes use of the drug, called molnupiravir, it would be the first oral COVID-19 treatment that could be taken at home.
Tuesday on Political Rewind: Voters head to the polls in runoff elections in communities across Georgia. Elections include mayoral races in four cities, including Atlanta and Brunswick, Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp won a major endorsement this week in his bid for governor.
Monday on Political Rewind: Scientists say there is much to learn about the dangers of the new coronavirus variant. Meanwhile, residents in Brunswick and Glynn County go about their days in aftermath of the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial.
The second time Vanessa Quintero's family caught the virus, probably from her 8-year-old daughter, fewer people got sick. They and their doctors credit the protection of vaccination.
Stock markets around the world tumbled on concerns about the new variant. While it's too soon to tell exactly how the variant functions, virologists are rushing to learn more.
The first vaccine required for school was for smallpox, over 200 years ago. And for decades, all states have required that kids be vaccinated against contagious diseases like polio to attend school.
The requirements set by the Biden administration take effect Nov. 8 and cover approved vaccines, exceptions for the unvaccinated and protocols after arrival.
There are fresh logistical challenges, warns the White House's COVID czar in an exclusive interview with NPR. For example, young children will be getting a smaller dose delivered via smaller needles.
Firefighters and other municipal workers are protesting New York City's vaccine mandate, which takes effect Monday. If they don't have at least one dose by Friday, they will be put on unpaid leave.
A Senate panel recommends a number of other charges against the Brazilian president, including inciting an epidemic. But the chances that Jair Bolsonaro will be indicted look slim.
The U.S. has pledged to deliver 1.1 billion doses of COVID vaccines to countries in need. Billions more are needed. NPR interviewed the State Department's global vaccine coordinator to learn more.