It is no surprise that many would like to go back to regular daily life. There have been whispers of students wanting to be back inside the classroom, those working from home back to their normal jobs, and many others itching to be released from the wrath of the coronavirus. With this being said, steps towards what was once remembered as the good ol’ days are currently in action.
Since the beginning stages of the global pandemic, conversations regarding a possible vaccine have been progressively sounding more realistic and tangible. It is evident that a vast majority of people would like the pandemic to be over. Although coronavirus case numbers are beginning to steady, the threat of the virus is still present. The pandemic is not over, and it is vital that people do their part in keeping the virus from spreading. Mask wearing, social distancing and safety precautions are highly advised by the CDC.
Beginning in late July of this year, coronavirus vaccine trials began in preparation for their future release. The vaccine development has been said to be the quickest yet. As of recently, there has been a whirlwind of news and media coverage regarding the ultimate approval and prospective release of the COVID-19 vaccine. Similar to other vaccines and pharmaceuticals, the vaccine must be thoroughly tested and approved before it can be appropriately distributed to the public. As it currently stands, Pfizer and its partner BioNTech, a biopharmaceutical company, and Moderna, a U.S. drugmaker, are both in the running to release a vaccine for the coronavirus in the near future.
Both vaccines are utilizing mRNA, which is a synthesized form of the original genetic makeup of the virus itself. Information regarding Moderna’s form of the vaccine shows that it is 94.5 percent effective, and Pfizer’s comes in at 95 percent effectiveness based on information gathered during their trials. The release and distribution of the vaccine from either of these companies will likely be in the United States and other European nations.
The vaccine itself will be administered in two separate doses, the second dose is needed approximately 20 to 30 days after the first, depending on if it is from Pfizer or Moderna. With this being said, in the waiting time between the first and the second dose, it is highly advised to continue following CDC guidelines. In order to keep track of when a person has been given their first dose of the vaccine, vaccination cards will be distributed. This card will state the date of the first dose, and likely will include when the second dose is set to be administered. Something such as a vaccination card will help schools, businesses and other organizations keep track of who has received the vaccine and who has not. The media has said that whether Pfizer or Moderna will be providing the cards is still unclear.
Ultimately, beyond the protection of a mask, social distancing and other guidelines, the coronavirus vaccine will add another layer of safety for the general public. While the complete restoration of daily life as it was once remembered may take some time, there are surely some perspectives for the future. It is vital to continue following CDC guidelines and to remain hopeful for what is to come.
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