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December

Congress works on another COVID stimulus package throughout the month. On December 27 Trump signs the $900 billion bill.

Tech companies like Facebook, after escalating censorship on “misinformation” for months, affirm they will begin removing “vaccine misinformation” too.

The United Kingdom becomes the first country to authorize the Pfizer vaccine on December 2. The U.S. follows on December 11, and begins shipping out the Pfizer vaccine on the 13th.

After the vaccine rollout, several adverse side effects, such as Bell’s Palsy, are noted. Reports suggest side effects are worse than flu shots, but people should take the vaccines anyway.

Discussion on when children can get the vaccine becomes more urgent.

Biden reveals more of his COVID plans for after his inauguration, including a call for “100 days of mask-wearing.” Fauci accepts the role of chief medical advisor in the future administration.

Suggestions that Americans may be “forced” to take the vaccine start circulating in the media. Other strategies to increase vaccine uptake, such as paying people, continue to be discussed.

Local and state governments pile on COVID restrictions, with media cheerleading. One headline from the New York Times says “It’s Time to Scare People About Covid.” Multiple reports state the vaccine will not impact the need to wear a mask.

The Pentagon announces soldiers will not have to take the COVID vaccine—a position the agency later reverses to much controversy.

Americans are implored to take caution if celebrating Christmas with loved ones. Fauci says he will not spend the holiday with his adult children.

Fauci has to explain why he “moved goalposts” on what he considered “herd immunity.” He stated 60% of Americans would need to be vaccinated or contract the virus naturally for months, and in December he switched this to 75-80%. He stated that this is because “the country is finally ready to hear what he really thinks.”

Key Dates and Stories:

  • December 2: Operation Warp Speed leader says 10-15% of vaccine recipients have “significantly noticeable” side effects
  • December 2: CDC will decrease coronavirus quarantine time from 14 to 7-10 days
  • December 3: Facebook says it will remove coronavirus vaccine misinformation
  • December 4: Fauci accepts offer of chief medical adviser role in Biden administration
  • December 9: Pentagon: Troops Won’t Be Required to Take Coronavirus Vaccine
  • December 11: FDA Authorizes COVID-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use In U.S.
  • December 13: U.S. begins shipping Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine
  • December 14: U.S. administers 1st doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine
  • December 15: Trump administration has launches a $250 million vaccine education campaign aimed at convincing people who are hesitant to get a shot
  • December 16: Twitter will begin removing vaccine misinformation
  • December 20: First shipments of Moderna vaccine roll out
  • December 23: DC Mayor Proclaims Christmas Eve ‘Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Day'
  • December 23: The U.S. has vaccinated just 1 million people out of a goal of 20 million for December
  • December 25: Fauci acknowledges moving goalposts on herd immunity from COVID-19
  • December 27: Trump Signs $900 billion COVID-19 Relief Deal

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