The Atlantic: How Science Beat the Virus
“…Much like famous initiatives such as the Manhattan Project and the Apollo program, epidemics focus the energies of large groups of scientists. In the U.S., the influenza pandemic of 1918, the threat of malaria in the tropical battlegrounds of World War II, and the rise of polio in the postwar years all triggered large pivots. Recent epidemics of Ebola and Zika each prompted a temporary burst of funding and publications. But ‘nothing in history was even close to the level of pivoting that’s happening right now,’ Madhukar Pai of McGill University told me…” (Yong, 12/14).

CNN: Despite promises of solidarity on Covid-19, rich countries are snapping up the supply of promising vaccines
“…Tough months lie ahead, but the rollout of the first vaccine in record time and the likely imminent approvals of others, is a turning point for wealthy countries that can afford vaccines. But for public health officials in the developing world, it is a harsh reminder that the race to end this deadly pandemic will separate the world’s haves and the have-nots. The alleged Covid-19 vaccine hoarding and bitter experience of past inequalities leave many feeling cynical about global solidarity…” (McKenzie, 12/13).

PBS NewsHour: COVID-19 vaccines are being developed with unprecedented speed amid some setbacks
“With the U.S. about to approve emergency use for Pfizer’s vaccine, there have been some setbacks with others now being tested. Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline said on Friday the launch of their vaccine will be delayed, and AstraZeneca announced confusing results for its potential vaccine. William Brangham spoke with Matthew Herper, a senior writer for STAT News, to learn more…” (Brangham, 12/11).

AP: First COVID 19 vaccine shipments arrive in Canada (Gillies, 12/14).

AP: Singapore approves use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine (12/14).

AP: Bahrain approves Chinese COVID-19 vaccine for use (12/13).

AP: Brazil govt releases pandemic vaccination plan with holes (De Sousa, 12/12).

Financial Times: CureVac launches large-scale Covid vaccine trial (Miller, 12/14).

The Guardian: China’s Sinopharm Covid vaccine: how effective is it and where will it be rolled out? (Davidson, 12/14).

New York Times: A Vaccine Is on Its Way to Canada. Who Will Get It First? (Austen, 12/11).

VOA News: Mexico Approves Coronavirus Vaccine (12/12).

Wall Street Journal: Vaccines Are Coming but They Won’t End Covid-19 Anytime Soon (Solomon/Hinshaw, 12/13).

Wall Street Journal: Peru Halts Trial for Chinese Covid-19 Vaccine (Dube/Deng, 12/13).