Free Republic

An eight-week period between the first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine is the “sweet spot” to produce a robust immune response against COVID-19, scientists said. Researchers in the United Kingdom have found that the larger gap between the two doses than the currently recommended three weeks generates higher antibody levels, which offer protection in fighting against infection, the Guardian reported. “The decision to put it to eight weeks is really balancing all the wider issues, the pros and cons – two doses is better than one overall,” the study’s lead, University of Oxford professor Susanna Duanchie, told the...

US may need a new economic bailout Dearbail Jordan and Suzy Jagger, New York Ben Bernanke, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, today admitted the Government may be forced to inject billions of extra dollars into the American economy after warning of a "protracted slowdown". Speaking before the House of Representatives, Mr Bernanke suggested that the US required another “significant” fillip to help stimulate growth after Americans were granted $168 billion worth of tax rebates in May, to encourage spending and boost consumer confidence. A new plan would come on top of the $700 billion bailout of the country's ailing...