A “zero-covid” strategy has kept cases to a minimum in a handful of Asia-Pacific countries. How can they use vaccines to end their isolation?
Professor Gabriel Leung of the University of Hong Kong says “zero-covid” countries have become victims of their own success, Charlie McCann explains South-East Asia’s worrying new wave, and Nell Whitehead reports from Australia.
Alok Jha and Natasha Loder are joined by Edward Carr, The Economist’s deputy editor.
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The Jab: Can Asia’s covid havens re-open?

The Economist unlocks the science, data and politics behind the most ambitious inoculation programme the world has ever seen.
Alok Jha, The Economist’s science correspondent, hosts with Natasha Loder, our health-policy editor. Each week our reporters and data journalists join them in conversation, along with scientists around the world.
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News & Politics

News

Science

Vaccines are helping some countries return to a semblance of normalcy, while much of the world remains vulnerable to covid-19. We explore what’s next for the pandemic at this critical juncture. Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist at the World Health Organisation, says solidarity has been lacking and is crucial for a successful global response. And The Economist’s data journalist James Fransham unveils a new index tracking how far and how fast life is getting back to normal around the world.
Alok Jha and Natasha Loder are joined by Edward Carr, The Economist’s deputy editor.
For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/thejabpod. For continuing coverage of science and data news sign up for our weekly newsletters at economist.com/morescience and economist.com/offthecharts. 
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The Jab: How will the pandemic end?

The first covid-19 vaccines came from rapid innovation. They have already saved millions of lives. What new technologies are in the pipeline?   Robin Shattock’s team at Imperial College London is developing a self-amplifying RNA vaccine.   Moz Siddiqui of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, describes a drone system delivering shots to remote areas.   And Pamela Bjorkman of the California Institute of Technology explains her research into a universal coronavirus vaccine that could protect against future pandemics.
Alok Jha and Natasha Loder are joined by Oliver Morton, The Economist’s briefings editor.
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The Jab: How will vaccine technology improve?

Why has Latin America been the region hardest hit by the pandemic? Carlos Castillo-Salgado of Johns Hopkins University blames the informal economy and the example set by Donald Trump. Tulane University’s Valerie Paz-Soldán explains why Peru has been affected the worst.
The Economist’s Sarah Maslin finds hope in the success of a trial of China’s CoronaVac vaccine in the Brazilian town of Serrana.
Alok Jha and Natasha Loder are joined by Emma Hogan, The Economist’s Americas editor.
For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/thejabpod. Sign up for our new weekly science and data newsletters at economist.com/morescience and economist.com/offthecharts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Jab: Why was Latin America hit so hard?

Vaccinations have helped ease national lockdowns, but restrictions on international travel remain severe. When and how might they be lifted?
Willie Walsh of the International Air Transport Association tells us airlines are a soft target for government restrictions. Aerosol physicist Lidia Morawska assesses how risky it is to travel by plane. The Economist’s Miki Kobayashi reports on July’s Tokyo Olympics.
Alok Jha and Slavea Chankova are joined by Edward Carr, The Economist’s deputy editor.
For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/thejabpod. Sign up for our new weekly science and data newsletters at economist.com/simplyscience and economist.com/offthecharts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Jab: Will vaccinations restart travel?

The Jab: What’s the best vaccination strategy?
Getting vaccine regimens right is a matter of life and death. We investigate new research that could shape how jabs are rolled out.
The Oxford Vaccine Group’s Matthew Snape says mixing vaccines could boost immunity, and Zeke Emanuel of the University of Pennsylvania explains why second doses should be delayed. Also, we ask Leana Wen of George Washington University whether children should be offered the vaccine.
Alok Jha and Natasha Loder are joined by Slavea Chankova, The Economist’s health-care correspondent.
For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/thejabpod. Sign up for our new weekly science and data newsletters at economist.com/simplyscience and economist.com/offthecharts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Jab: Can Asia’s covid havens re-open?

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