The FDA has authorized a 3rd coronavirus vaccine

Hello,

Today in healthcare news: Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine gets emergency authorization, a fun but far-from-normal summer, and what the Cigna-MDLive deal means for the future of telehealth. 

The US just authorized a 3rd coronavirus shot, adding a convenient, single-dose option to boost the rollout

• The FDA just authorized Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose coronavirus vaccine.
• The decision comes after a panel of independent experts voted unanimously on Friday in favor of recommending the shot.
• J&J has said it will be ship nearly 4 million doses immediately following a regulatory OK. 

Read the full story from Andrew Dunn here>>

This summer is going to be fun – but far from normal

• Public-health experts are feeling unusually optimistic about this summer and the pandemic.
• Insider talked to 18 experts, many of whom plan to travel, see family, and even go to the movies.
• Here’s why you should be optimistic for the summer and how to have fun while making smart decisions.

Read the full story from Andrew Dunn, Hilary Brueck, Aria Bendix, and Patricia Kelly Yeo here>>

$74 billion health insurer Cigna is buying MDLive. Here's what it means for the future of telehealth companies as they look to survive in a post-pandemic world.

• Cigna is buying telehealth company MDLive for an undisclosed amount.
• The deal is the latest effort by a virtual care company to ensure its future after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It's also a sign that insurers increasingly see telehealth as a way to make healthcare simpler and easier.

Read the full story from Blake Dodge and Shelby Livingston here>>

More stories we're reading:

• Biden officials warned on Friday about the uptick in COVID-19 cases: "We're not there yet" (Stat News)
• Tell us how coming of age in 2021 has affected your mental health (Insider)
• Canada has approved AstraZeneca's vaccine (CBC)
• Amazon appoints pharmacy exec to lead vaccine rollout to its more than 1 million employees (Insider)

- Lydia