Would Denmark's Vaccine Policy Work in the US?

Good morning.

May we all borrow this girl’s confidence and go rogue this holiday season — just like she did at her Christmas concert. That same festive ambition has me eyeing these adorable treats for my puffin-loving son. To pull it off, I’ll lean on one of these perfect baking tips (no spoilers, but yes, it involves butter) to finally fix something I have never nailed. Hosting? One woman swears you can get your home guest-ready in under an hour, and I am all ears. Traveling instead? We’ve got you covered there, too: 25 easy ways (yes, we need that many) to make flying a little less miserable — I swear by number six. Before we dive in, thank you for spending your mornings with us. We’re excited to keep you informed — and smiling — in the new year and beyond. Now, let’s get to the news...

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

Health

Would Denmark's Vaccine Policy Work in the US?

What's going on: Looks like Health Secretary RFK Jr. could kick off the new year by shaking up the childhood vaccine schedule yet again. The New York Times reports he plans to announce that American kids should follow Denmark’s vaccine schedule instead of the one we use now. US officials currently recommend vaccines for 18 diseases; Denmark recommends them for 10. But as one epidemiologist put it, comparing the two countries is “not apples to oranges; it’s apples to steaks.” Denmark’s population roughly matches Wisconsin’s and lacks the racial, geographic, and socioeconomic diversity of the US. Its health-care system, public-health infrastructure, and access points also look nothing like America’s.

What it means: No official decision has been made — and the government scrapped a planned announcement last week, according to Politico. Still, if you’re a parent, this should give you pause. Health experts warn this new vaccine schedule would sidestep the science-driven, committee-led process that typically guides vaccine recommendations in the US. It could also upend insurance coverage, raising questions about whether private plans and government programs would still pay for all currently recommended shots. There’s more. The shift could weaken legal protections for vaccine makers, opening the door to “frivolous” lawsuits and supply disruptions, per health experts. Taken together, analysts say this could raise costs, create confusion, fuel skepticism, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

Related: Do American Seniors Really Need All Those Medications? (WSJ Gift Link)

The News In 5

🗞️ The Justice Department flagged, pulled, and restored a photo of President Donald Trump with Epstein. Now, Congress wants answers. 

🗞️ San Francisco is emerging from a massive power outage. Someone check on the Waymos.

🗞️ A $1.6 billion holiday miracle? You and everyone else are wishing.

🗞️ Turning Point USA’s annual conference ended with a 2028 presidential endorsement. Too soon?

🗞️ A major ruling made Elon Musk even more wealthy, if that’s possible.

Health

Time To Listen to That Gut Feeling

What’s going on: You know how some people love to say, “It’s all in your head”? Well, it might actually be in your gut. When people struggle with depression or anxiety, doctors usually reach for the same tools: medication or therapy. Those approaches help many patients — but not all. One woman told Vox that her doctor ordered blood work, found low magnesium levels, and started her on supplements and a low-dose SSRI. After a few weeks, she said, “I felt really clear again.” Welcome to the gut-brain axis: The idea that the micronutrients (read: vitamins and minerals) in your digestive system may influence how you feel mentally and emotionally. 

What it means: If you deal with depression or anxiety and standard treatments fall short, you might consider asking your doctor whether more extensive blood work makes sense for you — especially if you’re taking medications for multiple health conditions. However, keep in mind that researchers are going with their gut feeling on this one. Scientists still lack strong data on how specific micronutrients affect mental health, and supplements rarely deliver dramatic changes on their own. Still, while research suggests most people won’t feel a major shift from pills alone, the link between a healthy diet and brain health has been proven. Something to stir over when you cook your next meal.

Related: The FDA Is Taking Another Look at Supplement Warning Rules (NBC)

Lifestyle

All I Want for Christmas Is My Cortisol Readout

What’s going on: While kids track Santa this year, adults prepare to track… well, pretty much everything else. The Wall Street Journal says 2025 looks like the year of the health gift — driven by wellness influencers and high sleep scores as the latest status symbol. (Ours is a solid 91, except when the Sunday scaries hit.) Some of the most sought-after presents this season? Microbiome tests, continuous glucose monitors (helpful after Santa barely touched his cookies), and yes, even that toilet poop camera we flagged earlier this month. One woman told WSJ she gifted her husband a $365 membership that covers two sets of personalized lab tests each year — complete with biomarker insights and health dashboards. Merry diagnostics.

What it means: Tracking steps is child’s play these days. Devices like the Oura ring and WHOOP still top wish lists, with sleep and recovery data that act like tiny therapists. But now, people want deeper data: hormone snapshots, thyroid checks, liver function readouts. If you plan to give a health gift, experts suggest you favor sleep perks over fitness goals. Otherwise, as one psychologist told WSJ, it can land as: “You’re not doing enough.” One way you could soften the message? Buy one for yourself, too. Better still, choose something that fits their health journey — or at least something they’ve brought up. Nobody needs surprise lab tests under the tree.

Related: Something’s Off About This Year’s Holiday Chocolate (CNBC)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ It’s Monday Night Football, with a big game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts. Brace your fantasy teams.

🗓️ The World Darts Championship is in full swing — we didn’t know this was a thing, but it gives us inspiration to brush up on our game, Ted Lasso-style. 

🗓️ It’s National Cookie Exchange Day — because sweet treats are better when you share ‘em. These recipes are a good place to start.  

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Know It All

Which brick-and-mortar retailer is expanding with 60 new stores next year?

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.