COVID-19 Vaccines Recipients Getting Reminder Cards ... Come Back for 2nd Dose!!!
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People getting the COVID-19 vaccine are walking away with a nifty little reminder to come back for seconds, and some important details about what's being injected into their bodies.
TMZ has obtained a COVID-19 vaccination record card somebody was given after getting the new Pfizer-BioNtech therapeutic out of New Jersey. It's CDC official, and very similar to the immunization cards children often get to keep track of vaccinations.
In this case, the card is very specific ... and only tracks whether someone has their full 2 doses -- something you need to have in order for the new vaccine to work effectively. There's also a reminder section on the back, telling you to come back in 3 weeks.
We're told the person who got this card was also given a Pfizer fact sheet, which explains what the vaccine's all about, and what exactly it will or won't do for you as far as fighting off coronavirus. Check it out, very interesting literature.
As you can see, the fact sheet notes the vaccine may help prevent the disease -- key word there is "may." It also says there's no full-proof vaccine out yet that's been fully approved by the FDA to for sure ward off COVID ... and they make that crystal clear.
There's a lot of good info here to educate people on whether getting this specific vaccine is right for them -- including potential side effects, possible allergic reactions, ingredients and a bit of history on who went through clinical trials.
The more you know ...
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Santa Claus Gets COVID Vaccine ... Can't Be Too Careful!!!
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Dr. Anthony Fauci says Santa Claus is immune from the coronavirus, but the jolly guy is taking no chances before Christmas -- he just got the COVID-19 vaccine.
Santa came down from the North Pole for an unannounced stop Wednesday at Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he got the shot.
As you can see, Santa wasn't exactly keeping it low pro ... rocking his regular work gear for the occasion.
So, why Vegas? It is pretty warm for a guy dressed like this. Well, the hospital's honchos say they reached out to St. Nick out of concern for his health ahead of his globe-trotting on Christmas Eve.
Let's face it ... this guy can't risk taking a sick day on his ONE workday of the year.
Remember, Dr. Fauci said SC has "innate immunity" from COVID-19.
So, yeah ... spoiler alert: This "Santa" is actually the Chief Medical Officer at the hospital who really did get the vaccine -- but it's Vegas, baby. Gotta put on a show!
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Tom Cruise Raging tirade on 'M.I' Set in U.K. ... Crew Got within 6 Feet
Tom Cruise takes COVID protocols very seriously on the set of the new 'Mission Impossible,' and tore into crew members for breaking the rules ... telling them they'd be "f**king gone" if it happens again.
Tom was on the U.K. set of 'MI 7' when someone recorded his expletive-laced tirade ... sparked by seeing 2 crew members standing within 6 feet of each other around a monitor ... according to The Sun, which first posted the audio.
It might sound like a minor infraction, but Tom makes it clear he and the entire production can't afford ANY slip ups when it comes to COVID safety. He raged at them, saying the cast and crew need to be the "gold standard" when it comes to filming safely.
With a ton of f-bombs -- and even one instance of calling the culprits "motherf**kers" -- Tom let it be known, in no uncertain terms, everyone he was pissed off at. The rant is reminiscent of Christian Bale's on a 'Terminator' flick -- but the root of Tom's anger is much different.
He explained the 'MI' production is under pressure from Hollywood -- specifically the studios and insurance companies backing his movie ... which, no doubt, want to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak. As Tom puts it, all of Hollywood is watching to see if they can safely pull off filming a blockbuster in multiple countries.
After basically yelling it's my way or the highway, Cruise summed up what's at stake -- "That’s it! No apologies. You can tell it to the people that are losing their f**king homes because our industry is shut down. It’s not going to put food on their table or pay for their college education."
Word is Tom has taken it upon himself to do safety inspections on the set, and literally goes around making sure everything is up to snuff as far safety and approved protocols.
'M.I. 7' has had prior shut downs due to COVID protocols ... which probably just adds to the pressure that was evident in this verbal explosion.
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COVID-19 Vaccine So Far, So Good ... Healthcare Workers Sign Off
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The frontline healthcare workers getting the first batch of coronavirus vaccines in America say things are going smoothly -- no symptoms or side effects, so far.
The first people to get the shot in New York and North Carolina are all telling us the same thing -- it was like a normal tetanus or flu shot and, most importantly, they haven't had any surprises.
Sandra Lindsay, the intensive-care nurse who got the first shot, Monday morning in New York, tells TMZ ... she feels fantastic. It's early, for sure, but just to give you an idea of what you might experience, Sandra says she's had no fever, no muscle aches, no muscle weakness -- and she's trusting the science.
Sarah, who is Black, says she was never apprehensive about getting the vaccine, despite a majority of African-Americans saying they don't trust it and won't get it.
As we reported, Offset conveyed that exact sentiment when we spoke to him about possibly get vaccinated when it's available.
Still, Sandra told us the alternatives -- death or suffering from COVID-19 -- are way worse than getting the shot.
The first person vaccinated Monday in North Carolina, Dr. Katie Passaretti, tells us her vaccination was like other ones she's had in the past. She's only experienced some muscle pain in her upper arm, where the shot was administered ... and she says that's pretty standard.
Like Sandra, Adam Berman works at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center and also got vaccinated Monday. While he understands the skepticism some people have, he's imploring the public to trust scientists ... and get the shot.
Sandra, Adam and Dr. Passaretti also tell us their vaccinated co-workers are also doing great too, with nothing more than some sore arms.
While it's so far so good after the first round, they're still at risk of catching the 'rona -- masks and social distancing still apply -- and they're waiting the prescribed 2 weeks to get the second dose.
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Dionne Warwick, Chance, Weeknd Twitter Exchange Helps Feed Hungry ... With New Song Collab!!!
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Dionne Warwick's musings on Chance The Rapper and The Weeknd are turning into tangible benefits -- they're getting together to help feed the hungry.
Here's the deal ... Dionne and Chance are working together on an initiative to feed homeless people, after starting a friendship on Twitter. Chance announced Tuesday on Windy City LIVE in Chicago they'll be raising money with a new song -- and TMZ's learned The Weeknd will be joining them for the collab.
Dionne's son, Dionne Damon Elliott, tells TMZ ... he's writing and producing the track, which is called "Nothing's Impossible." DDE says The Weeknd decided to get in on the action after a phone call with Dionne, where he expressed how food insecurity is personal for him. The Weeknd was once homeless himself.
We're told money from song streams will benefit Hunger Not Impossible ... an org connecting folks in need with prepaid, nutritious to-go meals from local restaurants all over the country.
DDE says the track will drop early next year ... they haven't nailed down a release date because production is in the early stages. We're told Dionne's sent some of her vocals over to Chance and The Weeknd.
It's pretty cool ... this whole collab started from Dionne's now famous tweets asking both artists about their stage names. Ah, the power of social media.
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Keyontae Johnson Out of Coma and Talking!!! ... Days After Collapsing on Court
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12:56 PM PT -- 12/15 -- GREAT NEWS!!! Keyontae Johnson is out of his coma and talking!!!
The update comes by way of The Athletic's Shams Charania who reports Johnson is now in stable condition -- "breathing on his own and speaking with parents and doctors."
LET'S GO, KEYONTAE!!!!
1:01 PM PT -- 12/14 -- Keyontae Johnson has been placed in a medically induced coma -- but doctors are hoping to bring him out Monday afternoon, this according to his grandfather.
Larry DeJarnett spoke with USA TODAY Sports and confirmed the basketball player's condition.
DeJarnett also said Keyontae had been transported from Tallahassee to Gainesville, where the University of Florida is located.
Keyontae's grandfather said the plan to wake the hoops star from the coma Monday afternoon is not set in stone because it's such a fluid situation.
"They’re [the doctors are] just not sure. He may have had activity in the brain, so they induced the coma. They put him on medication to keep him sedated."
University of Florida basketball star Keyontae Johnson is in critical condition after collapsing on the court in the middle of a game.
It's terrifying to watch. The game -- Gators vs. Seminoles -- was in timeout. Just before that, Keyontae successfully finished an alley-oop and was celebrating the move from the sidelines. The team broke its huddle, and as Keyontae walked onto the court he collapsed hard.
His teammates screamed for help and Keyontae was taken off the court by stretcher and was rushed by ambulance to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Keyontae had tested positive for COVID this past summer. It appears one of the side effects was myocarditis ... inflammation of the heart muscle.
He's in critical but stable condition. We wish him well.
Originally published -- 12/13 9:38 AM PT
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'Great British Bake Off' Star Prue Leith Gets COVID Vaccine ... 'Who Wouldn't Want Immunity???'
Prue Leith the "Great British Bake Off" star is now happily vaccinated against the novel coronavirus ... and she's wondering why some people are balking at the shot.
Prue, who of course lives in the UK, is the first celebrity to publicize getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The star of the Netflix show announced Tuesday she got it, and described it as nothing more than a "painless jab."
The UK approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine 2 weeks ago, becoming the first country to do so, and started the rollout last week ... prioritizing healthcare workers and the elderly. Just in case you're thinking Prue got some kinda celeb preference, she didn't ... she's 80 years old.
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As you know ... the first vaccinations in the U.S. started Monday, with intensive-care nurse Sandra Lindsay becoming the first person to get the shot in New York.
Sandra, who is Black, was hailed for her bravery for getting the shot in public ... especially due to the fact a majority of African-Americans say they don't trust the vaccine, and won't get it.
For instance ... Offset told us, point blank, he's not lining up for the shot, and explained why.
Prue doesn't get that hesitation and says, "Who wouldn't want immunity from #Covid19 with a painless jab??"
It's likely, though, Prue doesn't know the dark chapters of American history that give the Black community pause.
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Viral 'Dreams' Skateboarder Tests Positive for COVID
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The Fleetwood Mac "Dreams" skateboarder -- who's had some life-changing positive moments this year -- is now battling the coronavirus.
Our sources tell us Nathan and his fiancée, Estela Chavez, recently tested positive for COVID-19. He's been doing a lot of traveling ever since he gained worldwide fame from his video going viral.
After Nathan got engaged in Las Vegas in November, he headed to Los Angeles. We're told he spent a week here earlier this month working on several projects and believes that's when he caught the virus.
Our sources say Nathan, who lives in Idaho, flew to and from L.A. because he didn't want to make the long drive and put miles on his brand new truck from Ocean Spray.
It was his first time traveling by plane.
Nathan and Estela started feeling COVID symptoms 4 days after returning home from L.A. ... including headaches, fever, coughing, congestion and difficulty breathing. Our sources say the couple took a COVID test Monday and just got back their results.
He's had to cancel a gig scheduled for Wednesday due to the positive test -- and he's also pumping the brakes on a family vacation he was planning for the holidays.
At least Nathan can quarantine in his new 5-bedroom crib in Idaho Falls. Yeah, it's been a great year, up till now ... here's hoping he and Estela get well soon.
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Biden's Inauguration Smaller Ceremony, 'Reimagined' Parade ... Watch From Home, Folks
President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration is getting scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic ... with safety protocols aiming to prevent a superspreader scenario.
Biden's own Presidential Inaugural Committee just announced some of the changes for January's ceremony, which will have an "extremely limited" footprint. The PIC also says the parade following the swearing-in will be "reimagined."
Some traditions are still soldiering on ... the PIC says Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take their oaths outside the Capitol.
The stage construction is chugging along, but most folks won't be there in person to soak in the historic ceremony when the stage is set ... Biden's PIC is urging the public not to travel to the National Mall for a huge gathering. Instead, folks are being encouraged to participate in inauguration activities from the comforts of their own homes.
So don't anticipate a gathering like the one we saw 4 years ago for Donald Trump ... and it definitely won't look like the first Barack Obama inauguration.
The pandemic's not only the focus of the inauguration's "vigorous" health and safety protocols ... Biden's camp says the inaugural address will lay out his vision for beating the virus, building the country back and bringing Americans together.
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Tony Ferguson On Surviving Arm Bar ... 'Capacity To Endure Pain Got Me Through It'
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How the hell did Tony Ferguson survive that NASTY arm bar from Charles Oliveira on Saturday night at UFC 256????
Simple ... Tony says it's a combination of crazy genetics and mental fortitude.
The UFC star opened up about his jacked up arm on social media late Monday -- saying it's not as bad as it looked.
"My Arm Is Aright," Ferguson posted on IG ... "The Armbar Was Really Tight."
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"The Thought Of My Son ArmandAnthony’s Ability To Be Double Jointed In His Elbow During That Sequence & My Mental Capacity To Endure Pain Got Me Through It. # Breathe # MentalTUFness."
There have been rumblings that Ferguson could consider wrapping up his MMA career after 2 bad losses in a row ... but T-Ferg says he ain't going nowhere.
"We Are Far From Being Retired," Tony said ... while dropping a middle finger emoji to his haters.
"I Can’t Wait Til We Compete In Front Of A Big Loud Crowd Again, It’s Not The Same Without You All."
In the meantime, Ferguson says he's working on healing up his arm -- with a focus on increased blood circulation.
He even underwent some cupping therapy to help out.
Tony Ferguson -- he's tough as hell.
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Anti-Masker Wild Rant at Costco ... Fist Bumps and Boos!!!
The COVID vaccines aren't convincing this guy to put on a face covering and ride out the storm -- instead, he climbed a Costco clothing rack armed with a megaphone and let 'er rip.
This rant heard round the wholesaler went down Sunday in Tustin, CA ... and the guy taking the stand against face masks was greeted with a mix of fist bumps and haters.
COVID-denier in California uses a megaphone in Costco to go on a crazy rant. This is the modern Republican party. pic.twitter.com/snt7VOSqex
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) December 14, 2020 @davenewworld_2
During his moment in the spotlight, he spewed dubious claims about the CDC, masks and the virus ... all while standing in the middle of a display full of clothing. Call it his Kirkland Signature pulpit.
Some Costco shoppers showed support, apparently picking and choosing when to listen to science ... since they opted for fist bumps instead of handshakes. Others tried to stop the madness, but most remained focused on their shopping lists.
Seems Costco is a popular place for anti-makers to give their 2 cents -- we've seen similar scenes play out across the country, like this wise guy in Colorado.
Yet another reason a return to "normalcy" can't come fast enough.
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Dr. Phil on Pandemic Health Addiction Support Groups Screwed ... For Most Part, Anyway
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People battling addiction or other health issues in need of a strong support system are mostly getting the short end of the stick during the pandemic ... so says Dr. Phil.
We spoke to the good doc Monday on "TMZ Live" and revisited a topic we'd discussed with him and others during the early stages of lockdowns -- the well-being of folks in AA, NA and other support groups as they have to navigate quarantining solo.
Phil was worried about this early on and tells us a lot of those fears have manifested as relapse rates and drug/substance usage is noticeably up throughout the U.S. Basically, Phil says virtual meetings lack a lot of factors that make in-person meetings so effective.
While he does note some upsides to being able to partake in support groups online -- like a greater degree of anonymity, and more options of where to drop in for a meeting -- he says the list of cons outweigh the pros.
Dr. Phil adds ... one of the issues for virtual support groups is Zoom-bombing -- essentially, hackers dropping in on chats they have no place being. That makes many people apprehensive because they can't see everyone in the room.
Bottom line ... Phil says the battle's just beginning. He worries once the pandemic is over, we'll be playing a lot of catch-up to help heal these folks who are going down the rabbit hole now.
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COVID Vaccine Black Woman First to Get it in NY State ... Black Doctor Led Research
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12:09 PM PT -- There's nothing for African-Americans to fear about the vaccination effort, because it wasn't rushed and a Black doctor was at the forefront of research ... so says Dr. Louito Edje.
The good doc joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday and offered an easy-to-understand analogy about the vaccine process ... telling us why it's like a cake that's been carefully baked for 20 years and just needed the right icing.
Dr. Edje also points out Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, an African-American scientist, led the team behind the COVID-19 vaccine and even got the shot herself.
The first vaccine in New York was administered Monday -- and the person they chose to give it to speaks volumes about very real concerns regarding safety and mistrust of the government.
The recipient was intensive-care nurse Sandra Lindsay, a Black woman working in healthcare, and she got the shot at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens. Before the deed was done, Sandra was hailed for her bravery ... for getting vaccinated in public, and for months of work treating COVID patients on the front lines.
As the doctor, also a woman of color, injected the needle ... Sandra didn't even flinch, and got a big round of applause.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was on standby, watching the inoculation virtually. He noted Sandra didn't make a fuss about it and that the doc who did it -- Dr. Chester --- must have a good touch. Sandra responded that it felt like any other shot or vaccine she's gotten before.
The fact New York decided to publicize the first Pfizer vaccination with 2 women of color shouldn't be lost on folks.
As we've mentioned, and as the federal government has noted too, African-Americans are highly suspicious of this vaccination effort, and many say they won't take it or don't trust it.
There's a myriad of reasons why, but we got an up-close and personal look at that mindset this weekend with none other than Offset ... who told us straight-up he wasn't planning to get the shot.
Originally published -- 8:29 AM PT
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Will Smith Plays Santa Claus for Teen w/ Cancer Jason Derulo & PS5?!?!
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Will Smith's not playing games when it comes to bringing smiles this holiday season ... and he's pulling out all the stops with help from his celeb pals and Gamestop.
Will Smith's season 2 of his Snapchat series "Will From Home" premiered Monday ... and this holiday season he's inviting viewers to watch him surprise the hell out of people across the country to celebrate their selflessness and bravery.
For the season 2 premiere, Will brought along Jason Derulo to shock 14-year-old Aiden, who was diagnosed with cancer in April. Aiden's father, Chuck, has been doing his best to comfort him during weekly chemo treatments -- but due to COVID-19, he usually can only stand outside Aiden's room ... dancing to make him laugh.
Well, Dad got a big helping hand from Jason, Will and Gamestop.
Derulo kicked things off by teaching Chuck and Aiden some new dance moves. The big surprise, though, came when Will had Chuck and Aiden open a box delivered to them. And, viola!!! It's a PS5, which at the time weren't available to the public yet.
The look on Aiden's face was priceless, and in addition to the dance moves and PS5 surprise from Gamestop ... a $10k donation was also made to the Cook Children's Medical Center, with Will and Gamestop each kicking in $5k.
The 10-episode series will have other special guests, including Alicia Keys, DJ Khaled, Lil Nas X, and Ludacris. It's a good bet there won't be a dry eye after each episode celebrates real-life heroes.
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Meghan Markle Thank You, COVID-19 Heroes!!! Makes Surprise Appearance
Meghan Markle's so inspired by stories of compassion she's witnessing through the pandemic, she decided to make a surprise appearance to honor those very heroes.
The Duchess of Sussex made an unscheduled appearance on CNN's 'Heroes' special Sunday night to thank "individuals (who) stood up and made sure the most basic needs of our communities were met. They made sure those around them did not have to suffer in isolation."
It's the first time Meghan has made a public statement since her op-ed in the New York Times last month, revealing she'd suffered a miscarriage in the summer. She and Prince Harry -- who left their royal roles in March -- have kept a low profile since moving to California, but still found ways to help here.
TMZ broke the story ... the couple quietly delivered quality food to needy folks back in April. Then, at the start of the school year, they dished out school supplies to students in need.
Meghan seems especially thankful to those who fed kids in need of a meal in the absence of a school lunch meal. During Sunday night's telecast she said, "When kids’ lunch programs came to a halt, we saw our neighbors make sure that those children received the nutrition they need."
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JoJo Siwa Grants Sweet 5-Year-Old Girl's Wish ... With a Santa Assist!!!
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JoJo Siwa made a holiday wish come true for a very special little fan ... and Santa Claus couldn't help but pop in to spread even more cheer.
The YouTube star teamed up with Make-A-Wish and Macy's for a virtual hangout with 5-year-old Ainarah from Virginia, who has a neuromuscular disorder. Ainarah’s wish was to chat with JoJo, but the singer did her one better -- they're now forever linked as friends with matching bracelets.
We're told the adorable little girl and JoJo also chatted about music, fashion and what they want for Christmas ... before the big guy from the North Pole dropped in.
Like JoJo and St. Nick tell Ainarah ... it's been a very different year than we're used to, but nothing can change how awesome and amazing she is.