COVID-19 Vaccine: What Does This Mean for You?

Good news everyone. COVID vaccines near completion.

Just about everyone knows someone who has suffered from the virus, and everyone has had their lives impacted in some way. To date, COVID sweeps the globe with more than 58 million cases and approximately 1.3 million deaths worldwide.

A widespread COVID vaccine would save lives and help end the pandemic sooner.

Who is making COVID-19 vaccines?

Earlier in November, both pharmaceuticals Pfizer and Moderna announced their COVID vaccines, both with 95% effectiveness. Just recently, pharmaceutical AstraZeneca announced their COVID vaccine with 70% effectiveness.

How do the vaccines work?

There are three types of vaccines in development for COVID:

mRNA- Material from virus injected so the body creates a protein.
Protein Subunit- Harmless portion of virus.
Vector- Weakened live virus with genetic material from the virus causing COVID-19.

For all types, the body does not recognize the protein then fights it, remembering how to fight it in case of COVID infection.

For more in-depth information about how the vaccines work, check out the CDC's explanation.

Who approves the vaccines?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves vaccines after they undergo multiple trials. The trials test participants with different dosages, and against a placebo.

Who will get it first?

Ultimately distribution is determined by experts. Priority groups include healthcare workers, essential workers, older adults, and people with high-risk medical conditions.

When will I get it?

Availability will increase once officials determine approval and production rates. It will take time for supply to match demand, but they expect vaccines to reach the public as early as December 2020.

As time passes, the FDA will approve more vaccines and production will increase.

What do I do while I wait?

While you wait patiently for a vaccine, remember to follow CDC guidelines. If you need a new mask, check out HomElectrical brand masks for a durable, reusable cloth mask.

References and Resources

WHO SAGE values framework for the allocation and prioritization of COVID-19 vaccination , This Values Framework offers guidance globally on the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines between countries, and to offer guidance nationally on the prioritization of groups for vaccination within countries while supply is limited. Access 02/22/2023
3rd major COVID-19 vaccine shown to be effective and cheaper, Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap, easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world. Access 02/22/2023
Pfizer: COVID-19 shot 95% effective, seeking clearance soon, Pfizer said Wednesday that new test results show its coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective, is safe and also protects older people most at risk of dying — the last data needed to seek emergency use of limited shot supplies as the catastrophic outbreak worsens across the globe. Access 02/22/2023
2nd virus vaccine shows striking success in US tests, A second experimental COVID-19 vaccine — this one from Moderna Inc. — yielded extraordinarily strong early results Monday, another badly needed dose of hope as the pandemic enters a terrible new phase. Access 02/22/2023
Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines Explained, FDA is globally respected for its scientific standards of vaccine safety, effectiveness and quality. The agency provides scientific and regulatory advice to vaccine developers and undertakes a rigorous evaluation of the scientific information through all phases of clinical trials, which continues after a vaccine has been approved by FDA or authorized for emergency use. Access 02/22/2023

Mark Watola

Mark graduated with a B.S in Communications from Kennesaw State University in 2020. Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 2012 to 2016, Mark operated as a Photojournalist and Correspondent at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Office. Learning from his time in the military, Mark prides himself on having an adaptable and mission-based mindset with a willingness to work cooperatively to craft quality content.