RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel Loads Up the Review List

Good morning.

I don’t know about you, but the Bad Bunny concert did not disappoint. The set, the songs, the powerful billboard message: They all came together as a beautiful celebration of Latino heritage — with some special guests along for the ride (oh, hi Ricky Martin) and an actual wedding. I also spotted a few other famous faces dancing in the street scene. Sure, there was football too — congrats to the Seahawks (and their kicker who set a Super Bowl record). Celebrities packed the stands, including one duo that did absolutely nothing to quiet those relationship rumors. And my favorite commercial? No surprise there, I love carbs. But the real plot twist was the tears. Now, let’s get to the news…

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

US News

RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel Loads Up the Review List

What’s going on: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s federal vaccine panel has prepped two more targets for its examination table. At its next meeting later this month, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as well as all vaccines given to pregnant women, according to The New York Times. The lead-up has already turned contentious. Dr. Robert Malone, one of the ACIP panelists, has accused the FDA of “hiding” data on COVID vaccine risks and claimed that COVID vaccines are contaminated with trace DNA fragments — accusations that regulatory agencies in the US and abroad have reviewed and dismissed. And he's not the only cynic at the table. Two vaccine-skeptic obstetrician-gynecologists who joined the panel are now part of a new work group reviewing all vaccines given to pregnant women.

What it means: The panel can't pull vaccines from shelves — only the FDA can. But if the ACIP rescinds or restricts vaccination recommendations, your insurance may stop covering them, or your doctor could stop offering them. While it's too soon to tell what actions the group will take, there are a few things to remember: Over a billion doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered so far, and no safety concerns related to residual DNA have been identified. In fact, the FDA debunked the DNA contamination claim in a 2023 letter and called it “quite implausible” and “misleading.” Overall, scientists are growing frustrated by recycled claims finding a new life and a bigger platform. One virologist told the Times that all of Malone's comments have been “thoroughly rebutted and debunked.” 

Related: Dr. Oz Urges Americans To Get the Measles Vaccine (The Hill)

The News in 5

🗞️ The Obamas’ reaction to President Donald Trump’s racist social post speaks volumes.

🗞️  Lindsey Vonn's Olympics ended with a crash and fractured leg, and doctors say she's stable after immediate surgery.

🗞️ Officials said a second measles case has been linked to Disneyland and that recent visitors to the park could be at risk.

🗞️ A Trump-backed group is raising money for America’s 250th birthday. What donors get for giving $1 million might surprise you.

🗞️ A Team USA skier said representing the US right now is complicated. Trump had something to say about that.

Health

The CDC Put Health Alerts on Do Not Disturb

What’s going on: Health officials worry the country’s public health smoke alarm is broken. Since President Trump returned to office, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued far fewer health alerts than usual, according to NPR. Just six went out through its Health Alert Network in all of 2025, when the agency typically sends up to dozens more. Noticeably absent from the list? Warnings about this season’s flu, whooping cough, and ongoing measles outbreaks, even as cases rise. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told NPR that doctors are “absolutely flying blind.” But the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, said claims the agency has pulled back are false and that it continues to alert the public about urgent health threats.

What it means: Think of health alerts as the canary in the coal mine — they catch outbreaks early, so your doctor and local hospital can prepare. Past warnings about Ebola, bird flu, and COVID-19 gave hospitals crucial time to staff up, stock medications, and get ready. Now, without these federal heads-ups, you'll need to pay closer attention to what's happening in your area. Check your state and local health department for updates on spikes in flu, measles, or other illnesses. While experts say those local signals help, a patchwork of warnings is still Swiss cheese compared to a strong national notification system.

Related: Early Pandemic Cancer Diagnoses Came With a Deadlier Price (ABC News)

Health

The "Orgasm Gap" Is Still Wide Open

What's going on: Bridgerton continues to prove that a man who yearns is a man who earns — an unrealistic standard if you ask anyone stuck in the dating app trenches. But in season four, the “orgasm gap” landed a supporting role. (Spoilers ahead.) Newlywed Francesca, the sixth Bridgerton sibling, struggles to reach her “pinnacle,” which is polite, faux Regency-era speak for an orgasm. To understand why, she does it all: blames herself, fakes it in bed, and finally, asks her sister-in-law for advice. In the end, Francesca tried something that would shock the ton — and plenty of therapists: talking to her partner. Experts praised the show for taking on a common and ignored issue for women in heterosexual relationships without making it the punchline.

What it means: Penetrative sex isn’t the only star of the show. A 2018 study found that about 18% of women have orgasmed from penetration alone. Factor in mismatched libidos, stress, and body-image issues, and a woman’s satisfaction can slip even further out of reach. That’s why sex therapists recommend that couples broaden their definition of what sex looks like and communicate openly about it. Most women have zero problems reaching a climax on their own, so try those methods with your partner… even if it feels awkward at first. Talk about what kind of foreplay does it for you, whether that’s lighting candles or sending a flirty little text. Even in the 1800s, Francesca is unlearning all of the stuff we’ve been told sex is supposed to be like. Maybe Queen Charlotte has some tips…

Related: BookTok’s Favorite Smutty Reads Are NSFW (Glamour)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The US women’s ice hockey team faces off against Switzerland at 2:40 pm ET.

🗓️ Prince William begins a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia, his first visit.

🗓️ National Pizza Day is here. As if we needed an excuse to get a slice.

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

Know It All

How much did a 30-second Super Bowl ad cost on average this year?

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Marina Carver, and Kylie McConville. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.