Timing Is Everything for Merck’s COVID Pill
The drug, molnupiravir, is named after Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir. But its power depends on reaching the right people, in the right time frame.
A Better Way to Think About Your Risk for COVID
For months we’ve been fixated on the idea that some people are at “high risk” and others aren’t. Now scientists have a better understanding of the continuum.
A Better Name for Booster Shots
The phrase took off earlier this year but flew too close to the sun. Maybe we should let it burn.
Why Are Americans Still—Still!—Wearing Cloth Masks?
It’s long past time for an upgrade.
Did Pfizer Peak Too Soon?
A decision to go with a lower dose might have helped speed things up last year. Now we may be seeing the consequences.
We’re Already Barreling Toward the Next Pandemic
This one is far from over, but the window to prepare for future threats is closing fast.
Vaccine Data for Kids Under 5 Are Coming ‘Before the End of the Year’
Pfizer’s CEO set a timeline for when Americans can expect the earliest news about shots for young children.
Fauci: Boosters Are for Keeping People Healthy, Not Alive
Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser on the future of COVID-19 vaccination and how to prevent the next pandemic
CDC Director: ‘Walk, Don’t Run’ to Get Your Booster
While some Pfizer recipients can now get an extra shot, federal officials are still mum on what’s next for the at-risk individuals who got Moderna or J&J.
The Nonsensical Loophole in Biden’s Vaccine Mandate
A weather report can’t replace an umbrella, and a coronavirus test can’t replace a shot.
The Lab-Leak Debate Just Got Even Messier
A new leaked document is stirring up another frenzy over the pandemic’s origins. What does it really tell us?
Fully Vaccinated Is Suddenly a Much Less Useful Phrase
With tens of millions of Americans eligible for booster shots, the term could start to lose its meaning.
The Most Important Vaccine I’ll Get This Fall
After last year’s eerie lull, flu viruses could be poised to return packing a bigger punch.
Therapy Voyeurism Really Might Be Doing Some Good
Shows such as Couples Therapy are primarily entertainment, but they also can get you to start thinking like a psychologist.
A Sea of Flags: Commemorating More Than 675,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19
Images of a temporary art installation made up of hundreds of thousands of small white flags representing Americans lost to COVID-19
‘Post-Vax COVID’ Is a New Disease
Eventually we might all have to deal with COVID-19—but a shorter, gentler version, thanks to vaccines.
Six Rules That Will Define Our Second Pandemic Winter
The pandemic keeps changing, but these principles can guide your thinking through the seasons to come.
You Might Want to Wait to Get a Booster Shot
There are no simple rules for timing on a third jab—but maybe don’t rush it.
Sorry, a Coronavirus Infection Might Not Be Enough to Protect You
Anyone who’d rather have COVID-19 than get vaccinated is taking two gambles: that immunity will stick around, and that symptoms won’t.
Theranos and COVID-19 Testing Are Mirror-Image Cautionary Tales
When you’re regulating new technology for diagnostics, it’s hard to balance speed and safety.