The Daily Skimm

The Story

European countries are hitting 'pause' on the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Catch me up.

Since the UK approved the shot in December, the AstraZeneca vaccine – created with the University of Oxford – has been given to more than 17 million people in the EU and UK. The two-dose shot has proven to be 82% effective against the original coronavirus variant. But since last week, about a dozen European countries have delayed or temporarily suspended their use of the vaccine. Yesterday, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain said 'yeah, we'll pause too.'

Why's that?

There are concerns that the AstraZeneca vaccine could be tied to reports of blood clots. Out of the more than 17 million vaccinations, there have been 37 reported blood clots in the legs or lungs. And one reported death in Denmark. AstraZeneca is urging calm and says the rate of blood clots in this population is "much lower" than what would happen in the general population. The World Health Organization and European regulators agree there's no link between the shot and the reports – but are meeting today to discuss. Meanwhile, health experts worry that pausing vaccinations could have adverse effects. Especially for countries that have seen a sluggish rollout.

Is AstraZeneca in the US?

Not yet. America's still reviewing trial data but could approve the two-shot vaccine as soon as next month. Meaning, the possibility of having four vaccine options is – just like spring – around the corner. And it's certainly feeling like it: the TSA said it has screened over 1 million passengers every day since late last week. But US health officials are warning Americans not to spring break like it's 2019. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said people shouldn't let their guard down – no matter how tempting the sun and warmth might be – "for the sake of our nation's health."

theSkimm

AstraZeneca is one of four shots in the EU that are helping combat the pandemic there. And now several countries are putting a part of their vaccine campaign on halt as they look into the shot's potential side effects.

And Also...This

Who people are talking about…

Pope Francis. Yesterday, a Vatican statement approved by the pope called same-sex unions a "sin" and said the church "does not and cannot bless" them. The move disheartened LGBTQ+ advocates who'd took note of the pope's more welcoming messages in the past, including saying that gay people "have the right to be in a family. They are children of God." But the Vatican said those comments were taken out of context. Now, the pope's doubling down on the Vatican's long-held position that same-sex unions "cannot be recognized." But the Vatican still says LGBTQ+ people should be treated with "respect and sensitivity." And that gay people as individuals could continue to be blessed by the church.

Going rogue: Some saw the Vatican statement as a direct response to German bishops, who've been pushing for the church to bless gay weddings. The head of the German bishops' conference said he'd consider the Vatican's new statement. But that the case is not closed.

Where people are showing support…

Australia. Yesterday, tens of thousands of people across the country protested against sexual violence, harassment, and gender inequality. This came after a wave of sexual assault allegations involving politicians surfaced. Earlier this month, Australia's attorney general revealed he's being investigated in a 1988 rape allegation. He's denied the allegation. And last month, a former staffer for the Liberal Party said a man raped her in a minister's office in 2019. Since then, four more women have come forward with similar allegations against the unnamed man. Now, protesters in the country are calling for justice and change.

Not the only Commonwealth: Women in the UK are also calling on gov officials to do more to protect women after 33-year-old Sarah Everard's body was found last week. An officer has been charged with her death.

Who's updating their résumé…

Deb Haaland. Yesterday, the Senate confirmed the New Mexico rep as a member of President Biden's Cabinet. Haaland, who was confirmed as the secretary of the interior, is the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency. Now Haaland – who's shown opposition to drilling on federal lands and fracking – could take steps to protect the country's public lands. And will be tasked with helping the Biden admin combat climate change and fostering relationships between the gov and Native American tribes. Haaland said she understands the historic impact of her confirmation and hopes it will be "an inspiration for Americans."

Where climate experts are keeping a close eye…

China. Yesterday, Beijing got hit with the worst sandstorm in 10 years, causing hundreds of flight cancellations and reported school closures. China has long dealt with high levels of pollution – mainly from its coal-powered plants and manufacturing. But a storm that developed in a Mongolian desert moved in, raising the air quality index to 999 at one point (compared to an average of about 80 last year). The EPA says anything below 100 is "acceptable." Now, many are saying 'hello, it's climate change.'

When you need a reminder that women are ballers…

Enter, Oscar noms.

The Planning Effect

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1. Everyday products that are especially useful in pandemic times. Like an anti-fog spray for glasses, chair cushions for working from home, and a mouth guard if stress has you grinding at night. Here's to a more comfortable 2021.

2. The perfect gift for all the "Fixer Upper" fans in your life. You included. Chip Gaines' newest memoir breaks down how he and Joanna built their network of people – and what he learned along the way. Prepare to be inspired.*

3. Some pet products that'll solve common (yet annoying) problems. Like a rubber-tipped broom that'll collect pet hair effortlessly. And a pad to soak up unexpected (and very icky) stains on your carpet. Goodbye, ruff life.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. The bra you've been searching for. Maidenform's Self Expressions® Simply the One® T-Shirt Bra is comfortable, supportive, and won't dig or cause VBL (aka visible bra lines). Get 15% off when you buy it at Target.*

2. An easy way to show your immune system some love. Made from a powerful bee product called propolis, this throat spray naturally fights germs and soothes scratchy throats. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 20% off with code SKIMM20. Spritzing is bee-lieving.*

3. A super powder that helps you get more from your workouts. This chocolatey metabolism booster is packed with powerful ingredients, like L-Glutamine. Psst...that's an amino acid that enhances energy. Btw, Skimm'rs get 20% off. Hellooo, next-level results.*

4. Products that'll save you some time and energy. For when you just can't. Enter: gadgets to make cooking easier, something that'll stop your sheets from riding up, and a hair tool that'll change your life (seriously).

5. What you need to get those precious eight hours of sleep. This list has things that'll help you reset your snooze schedule. Check out the contoured eye mask, weighted blanket, and soothing pillow spray. Sweet dreams are made of these.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Spring has sprung...Kristen G (AL). She's the executive director of GirlSpring, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower girls to reach their full potential. And use digital platforms for teen girls to amplify their voices and write about the causes they care about.

Rooting for...Rosa C (IL). In 2009, she founded Blossom Inspirations, a company that works directly with artisans from her native Peru and Mexico. She's recently published her first bilingual book, "Cuyita Wants to Know the World," in efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and female empowerment.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Maria Martinolich (NY), Alex Stabler (CA), Stephanie Grobe (WI), Erinn Gloster (MA), Alyssa Smith (NE), Kate Brown (DC), Janelle Pizarro (FL), Libby Cheney (TX), Kelly Hotz (CA), Linda Dick (CT), Karen Tovell Weber (IL), Dena Fahlquist (NM), Rachel Walker (SC), Emilee Blouin (MI), Sara Patton (FL)

PS…we've also got a video wall to shout out a woman in your life who's making an impact on you. Check it out.

We've got you covered with the best mask recs for added protection.

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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain