Your Daily Roundup for January 29th

Good morning. As the COVID-19 pandemic takes a toll on life in America, our team at Future Majority is tracking the latest updates: 

Johnson & Johnson has released early vaccine data:

Johnson & Johnson became the latest vaccine maker to announced results of its clinical trial, though unlike the two COVID-19 vaccines approved in the U.S., this vaccine is a single-dose. The company found that the efficacy of protection against the virus was 72% in the United States but only 57% in South Africa, where a more contagious strain of the virus is prevalent. Yearly flu vaccines are usually only around 40 to 60% effective, which makes the potential for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as a strong third option high. 

Lawmakers are squabbling over President Biden’s proposed relief package: 

Republicans and Democrats are debating the merits of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief package for COVID-19 and the subsequent economic fallout. Progressive members want more needs addressed, while conservatives have balked at the price tag. With over ten million Americans still out of work, and the economy well below pre-pandemic levels, there is no time to waste on relief. Biden’s plan would, importantly, go big on scaling up vaccination and testing efforts. 

Early data is showing -- again -- the racial disparities of COVID-19... 

Though this time, it is about vaccine distribution. Only 6% of American adults have received a first dose of the two available COVID-19 vaccines, but they are disproportionately white, and Black and Hispanic people are disproportionately not included. In Mississippi, for instance, though Black people account for 38% of cases and a staggering 42% of deaths, only 15% of Black adults in the state have received their vaccinations.