News: Fight for me

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Fight for me

"20"

— The number of years JLo's mom prayed for her to get back with Ben Affleck. No monster-in-law here.

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The Story

The FDA just approved the world's first RSV vaccine.

Talk to me.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically causes mild symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and a fever. However, RSV can be dangerous for babies, children, and older adults. Every year, the virus kills up to 10,000 adults ages 65+ and sends tens of thousands of others to the hospital. Earlier this year, pharma company GSK said a clinical trial found its single-dose vaccine was 83% effective at protecting older adults against RSV infection deep in the lungs. The most common side effects included pain at the injection site and fatigue. Now, the FDA's given the vaccine the green light.

You mentioned kids?

RSV is so common that almost every kid gets it. Infections typically go away on their own in a week or two. For babies under six months and kids with weakened immune systems, RSV can lead to severe illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The virus drove last year's tripledemic and flooded children's hospitals. For now, parents will have to wait for an RSV vaccine for kids. However, a shot to help protect newborns could get FDA approval as soon as August.

What's next?

The CDC is expected to approve GSK's vaccine next month. Once it gets the go-ahead, the company said it has "millions of doses" ready to go before the upcoming fall and winter flu seasons. The shot will be distributed under the name Arexvy and could be available in pharmacies, clinics, and doctors' offices. Meanwhile, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi are looking to get their versions in people's arms soon.

theSkimm

After about six decades of research and development, an RSV vaccine is one step closer to becoming available. Now, millions of older adults could get protection against the virus. Still, many are wondering why a vaccine for children isn't ready.

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And Also...This

What authorities are investigating…

Jordan Neely's death. Yesterday, the NYC medical examiner ruled the 30-year-old Black man's death a homicide. Earlier this week, Neely — who was experiencing homelessness — died after a passenger placed him in a chokehold on the NYC subway. The freelance journalist who recorded the incident said Neely was screaming and acting erratically before passengers restrained him until he was motionless. Neely was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Now, authorities say his cause of death is "compression of neck" by a chokehold. Police questioned the 24-year-old white, former Marine who restrained Neely and released him without charges. The Manhattan DA's office said it's investigating. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) called Neely's death "deeply disturbing." Others, like Rev. Al Sharpton, are calling for manslaughter or murder charges. Neely's death is also putting a spotlight on the city's mental health crisis.

What's raising alarms…

McDonald's. Earlier this week, a Labor Dept investigation found that three McDonald's franchisees violated federal labor laws. Officials said the franchise owners — operating 62 locations across Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio — had more than 300 children working longer hours than allowed. One owner had two 10-year-olds working without pay as late as 2 am. The DOL issued over $212,000 in fines for the violations. A McDonald's spokesperson called the report "deeply troubling." The news comes as some states have moved to relax child labor regulations. Meanwhile, experts reportedly said the increase in child labor is fueled by a tough job market and a higher number of children arriving at the US border without parents.

What's pointing fingers…

Russia. Yesterday, Russian authorities accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack on the Kremlin. Russia called the alleged attempt a "planned terrorist attack," and said their military forces shot down two drones. Footage showing an alleged explosion above the Kremlin circulated on social media, but US officials said they couldn't immediately confirm any attempted attack on Moscow. Now, Russia said it "reserves the right to take retaliatory measures where and when it sees fit." Ukraine accused Moscow of using the incident as an opportunity to escalate attacks.

Who's taking the cake and eating it too…

Top US CEOs. Yesterday, a new study reportedly found that the execs' median pay outpaced inflation and reached a record $22.3 million last year. It comes as the Fed raised interest rates for the tenth time.

Allow Queen Charlotte to reintroduce herself. Yes, that Queen Charlotte. The new Bridgerton-verse prequel follows her unlikely rise to prominence, and dives deep into the young queen's society-shifting, love story-inspiring marriage to King George.

What else can you expect? Looks at the origin stories of some of our other fave ladies of the ton, Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton, and how all three iconic characters found their place in power. The series premieres today — only on Netflix. So get ready to sit back, relax, and spill some regency-era tea.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Creating a Spark…Abby G (TX). She wrote a children's book, "Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark." She did it to honor the life of her husband's liver donor, Clayton Sparks, and to introduce the topic of organ donation.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Molly Rosen (GA), Barbara Enger (MO), Alex Marquette (LA), Bayli Rindels (KS), Marissa Lucas (NH), Julie Holloway (TX), Jordan Lowery (CA), Rosalie White (IL), Casey Perkins (GA), Jacquelyn Massaro (NY), Mary Elizabeth Buttitta (IL), Chloe Griffin (NJ), Binita Patel (FL), Jeni Francois (NC), Garrett Abrams (NY), Bob Smith (IL).

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.