Babbage: Booster shot

<p>As the northern hemisphere heads towards its second pandemic winter, some countries have already started to make <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/08/03/which-countries-are-considering-booster-vaccines-for-covid-19?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-noteshttps://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/08/03/which-countries-are-considering-booster-vaccines-for-covid-19?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">third doses</a> of vaccine available to their most vulnerable citizens. But scientists disagree about whether offering boosters is the best use of vaccine resources—or necessary at all. And, a big study in Bangladesh finds simple ways to encourage<a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/09/11/a-big-study-in-bangladesh-finds-simple-ways-to-encourage-mask-use?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> mask use</a>. Also, we reveal our book competition winner. Kenneth Cukier hosts.</p><p><br></p><p>For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at <a href="http://www.economist.com/podcastoffer?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/podcastoffer</a> and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at <a href="http://www.economist.com/simplyscience?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/simplyscience</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Terms and conditions for the book competition featured in this podcast are available at <a href="http://economist.com/podcast-contest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/podcast-contest</a>.&nbsp;</