Vaccines May Be Multitasking More Than We Think

Good morning.

Mentally, I'm still in the winter wonderland that was Maine, where I spent the holiday break with family. There's a lesser-known tradition that treats this Tuesday as a post-holiday exhale — and honestly, sign me up. That slow-down, savor-a-little, start-gently energy is exactly how I'm approaching the new year (we'll see how that's going next week). If you're a few days into January and still committed to romanticizing it, these eight simple ideas deliver (number two is a no-brainer). Another thing I swear by is this one type of pant — while editing this newsletter or tackling almost anything — and now there are a few fresh ways to wear them. And finally, one of my favorite ways to kick off a new year: a brand-new book. Here are the best book club picks for 2026. Now, let's get to the news...

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

Health

Vaccines May Be Multitasking More Than We Think

What's going on: New evidence adds to the case for why older people should get vaccinated. A recent meta-analysis suggests the shingles vaccine doesn’t just protect against the painful infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox — the two-dose shot may be associated with slower dementia progression. Doctors call this an "off-target benefit" — a bonus effect beyond a vaccine’s original purpose. You’ve likely heard versions of this before. Last fall, a study found the COVID-19 mRNA shot sparked an immune response that could help people fight off advanced lung or skin cancers. Over the years, researchers have spotted similar effects — some backed by decades of data, and others more recent, as scientists continue to explore how vaccines shape the immune system in broader ways.

What it means: The main reason to get vaccinated against shingles is still straightforward: 90% protection against a virus that can cause painful blisters, long-term nerve pain, and other serious complications. This new research adds another reason to roll up your sleeve. The findings point to promising links, not proof, and a clinician can help weigh the benefits, timing, and options based on your health history. That conversation also opens the door to a broader check-in on vaccines, whether for parents, older loved ones, or for yourself. And even if you’re young and healthy, staying up to date on shots remains one of the simplest ways to prevent disease.

Related: Officials Share New Health Warnings After Measles Outbreak in South Carolina (CNN)

The News in 5

🗞️ Here’s how the operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro went down, and what it means for the US. 

🗞️ After a fire at a New Year’s celebration in the Swiss Alps, police identified 40 victims, including several teens. 

🗞️ China wants to boost birth rates by making birth control and condoms more expensive.

🗞️ Actress Evangeline Lilly revealed she has lasting brain damage following a beach fall in Hawaii.

🗞️ The FBI has its claws out after a $400,000 shipment bound for Costco was stolen.

Health

New Year, New Pharmacy Bill

What’s going on: While many of us kicked off the year trimming budgets, drugmakers went the other direction. At least 350 branded medications in the US now cost more — up from about 250 price hikes at this time last year. Several announced price cuts — but only for nine drugs, including the diabetes medication Jardiance (yes, the one with the dancing commercials). This price whiplash follows a recent deal between the White House and 14 drugmakers to lower costs for some Medicaid recipients and people who pay cash. The confusion may not be accidental. One health policy researcher argues companies set high list prices as they negotiate private discounts with insurers — and then apply separate pricing for lower-income patients — which leaves consumers guessing what anything really costs.

What it means: Even before any new price hikes and cuts take effect, Americans already pay far more for prescriptions than people in other wealthier countries — and those costs can force tough, sometimes risky choices. According to health policy group KFF, about one in five US adults now skips filling a prescription at least once a year because of cost, and a third have split pills or swapped to over-the-counter alternatives. The takeaway for you: Ask questions before you pay. Check your copay and insurance tier, and ask whether a direct-to-consumer cash price could save you money. Pharmacists also urge patients to ask about cheaper generics or similar alternatives so you don’t get blindsided at the register.

Related: How To Take Care of Your Mental Health in the New Year (NYT Gift Link)

Lifestyle

In 2026, Bring Back Mild Inconvenience

What's going on: One of life’s cruel little jokes is that many of the things that help us most require effort. Reading. Writing. Running. Leaving the house to talk to actual people. All of it creates friction. But New York Magazine has dubbed 2026 the year of “friction-maxxing.” The idea pushes back on our growing habit of outsourcing minor annoyances to tech and AI, from drafting emails and texts to planning grocery runs. Friction-maxxing means ditching shortcuts and choosing tasks your brain finds mildly irritating. It fits neatly with New Year’s resolution season — especially since a recent survey found that 33% of people want to reduce screen time. Sounds like as good a time as any to choose inconvenience.

What it means: Friction-maxxing isn’t required (and there are certainly times when tech shortcuts can be helpful and necessary). But the trend offers a nice way to boost both your health and your brain power. New York Magazine suggests a few good starting points. One surprising option: Stop sharing your location. Not only does this increase privacy, it also improves connection by forcing you to ask loved ones what they’re up to. A more obvious choice: Cut back or stop using ChatGPT if you feel like you can’t write a sentence without it. Yes, it’ll be uncomfortable at first — that’s the point. An MIT study found that frequent use of large language models can interfere with learning, which makes friction-maxxing less about denying yourself and more about mental resistance training. Yes, it’ll be as tough as leg day — but worth it. 

Related: Avoid Resolution "Quitter's Day" With These Proven Strategies (Vox)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The Senate is back, and it’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R-GA) final day in office. 

🗓️ It would have been Diane Keaton’s 80th birthday today. Time to sob-watch one of her iconic movies again.

🗓️ The New York Times’s “brain health challenge” starts today, and there’s still time to sign up.

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

Know It All

Right before the new year, this sweets company abruptly announced it was shutting all locations.

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.