The headlines are scary. And misleading. In this case-by-case analysis, a fact-checker explains why COVID-19 vaccines are not causing the deaths that occurred after vaccinations.

Of all the COVID-19 vaccines out there, do any work well against the B.1.351 variant that's spread around the globe? And why is it that we don't have a clear answer to that question at this point? Also, a visit to the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium to find out why more than 95% of EU citizens are still waiting for their first jab.

Forget the "90% effective" headlines. Many of those vaccine trials were conducted before new variants had spread around the world — and have very little to say on South Africa. Figuring out whether they actually work against this mutation will completely change how we approach the pandemic.

It's easy, and even logical, to blame Brussels for vaccine shortages in Europe. Is it fair, though? Or, did the way the negotiations happen actually reflect European values — and fears?

Sergey was one of the volunteers who got two jabs of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine last year — one in November, one in December. It turned out to be very good timing.

At this point in the pandemic, shouldn't we be able to stop the spread of COVID-19 inside nursing homes? And for those of you looking for a break from the coronavirus, we offer some fresh air, a few bright planets and the violent, lavish life of a drunken "emperor/astronomer."

The "Russian vaccine" works — that's according to an interim analysis of 20,000 people reviewed and published by the medical journal "The Lancet." The news gets even better when you dive into the details.

We asked, and you... flooded our inboxes. Your messages have made it clear what we need to be covering on this show. So thank you! (Plus, a fresh tip on alcohol and vaccines.)

Is there such thing as too much COVID-19 reporting? Are you ready for "other science"? And is there anything else you'd like us to change about this podcast? This is our open, honest call for your (hopefully constructive) feedback. Contact us at [email protected] — on Signal, Telegram or WhatsApp at +49 170 232 6277 — or talk to us directly on that wild new audio app, Clubhouse: @DWUnscripted.

There are statistics, and then there's a story that helps you understand. This one is from Andreas, whose father passed away from COVID-19 inside a nursing home a few weeks ago.