Novavax says its coronavirus shot is 90% effective

Hello,

Welcome to Insider Healthcare. I'm Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer, and today in healthcare news:

• Novavax's coronavirus vaccine is 90% effective at preventing COVID-19;
• The CDC is investigating whether there's a link between coronavirus shots and rare cases of heart inflammation in young people;
• Biden's $400 billion home-care plan is in jeopardy.

If you're new to this newsletter, sign up here. Comments, tips? Email me at [email protected] or tweet @lydiaramsey125. Let's get to it…

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Novavax says its coronavirus vaccine was 90% effective in a large trial, moving the shot a step closer to widespread use

• Novavax said its coronavirus vaccine was 90% effective at preventing COVID-19.
• The shot succeeded in a study that enrolled almost 30,000 volunteers in the US and Mexico.
• The Maryland biotech plans to ask US regulators for permission to give the shot more widely.

More from the results>>

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Young people are experiencing rare cases of heart inflammation after getting coronavirus vaccines, but doctors say the risk of COVID-19 is far greater

• Young people who got COVID-19 vaccines have reported higher rates of heart inflammation.
• The CDC is investigating whether there's a link between the Pfizer and Moderna shots and these events.
• Even if there is a link, doctors said, the risk from COVID-19 is far greater than from the vaccines.

Find out more>>

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Biden's plan to send $400 billion to help families caring for loved ones with disabilities is in jeopardy as infrastructure talks falter

• More than 820,000 people, most with developmental disabilities, are on waiting lists for home care.
• Biden wants Congress to allow $400 billion for home care to help cut the wait, which can last years.
• Republicans oppose having it in an infrastructure bill, and it's unclear how far Democrats will go.

Here's what's at stake>>

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More stories we're reading:

• Hormone replacement therapy can cause dry skin and acne in trans people, but the right skin care routine can combat side effects (Insider)
• How hospitals are using predatory billing practices and driving up costs for patients (Axios)
• 2 varieties of flu seem to have disappeared during lockdown. Experts say it's possible they're gone. (Insider)
• A biotech bets big on a non-hormonal contraceptive gel (The New York Times)

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- Lydia