After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic nearly eight months ago, I received the much-anticipated alert: Pfizer and BioNTech had developed a vaccine candidate shown to be over 90% effective in preventing COVID-19.
Vaccine! 90%! Preventing!
Initially, I was filled with joy and excitement, but then I wondered if this news was perhaps too good to be true. Fortunately, several healthcare professionals and scientists shared their insights, confirming my initial reaction: this is a significant breakthrough for multiple reasons, though we must remain realistic.
The fundamental achievement here is both understated and vital: we now have evidence that vaccines can effectively prevent COVID-19. Prior to Pfizer and BioNTech’s announcement, researchers understood they could help the body produce antibodies, but the efficacy in preventing disease was uncertain. Andy Carter, a former health advisor during the Obama administration, took to social media to elaborate on the implications of this vaccine news. The trial’s effectiveness demonstrates that the antibodies can indeed prevent illness, suggesting that “the virus is dangerous due to its novelty, not its complexity.”
This positive development is also promising for other vaccine candidates. The fact that the virus and its spike protein may not be as complicated as previously thought is encouraging for those being developed by Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca. Many of these candidates are focusing on the same spike protein that Pfizer has tested successfully. Thus, there’s a reason to believe that if the spike protein elicits a strong immune response, other vaccines may yield similarly promising results in the near future, according to experts at the New York Times.
Akiko Watanabe of Yale University mentioned that Pfizer’s positive results give “us more optimism that other vaccines will also be effective.” The greater the number of successful vaccine candidates available, the better equipped we will be to tackle this crisis.
However, even with a promising vaccine, significant logistical challenges remain. The foremost issue is supply. Pfizer’s CEO has indicated that approximately 15 to 20 million people might receive both doses of the vaccine by the end of this year, with up to 1.3 billion doses expected next year, which still falls short of global demand. More vaccine options are essential to meet this need.
Moreover, Pfizer’s vaccine requires two doses given three weeks apart and must be stored at an extremely low temperature of -75 degrees Fahrenheit, presenting logistical challenges, especially in under-resourced areas. Dr. Clara Johnson, an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, noted on social media that “this vaccine is challenging to transport and store, making distribution in less equipped regions difficult. We will need additional options for these areas.”
Despite Pfizer’s assurances regarding safety, emergency use authorization will take more time. As Dr. Johnson explained, the vaccine will not be considered for emergency approval until at least two months of safety data has been gathered, as mandated by the FDA. The agency will then consult an external advisory panel to review the data on safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.
While there’s a possibility that high-risk populations could access the vaccine by the end of the year, this hinges on efficient coordination without any unforeseen setbacks. It’s crucial to remember that clinical trials cannot definitively predict the vaccine’s effectiveness in the broader population until millions have been vaccinated. However, preliminary data suggests a high level of effectiveness.
Regardless of how effective the vaccine turns out to be, it will be “ineffective if no one takes it,” warns Dr. Johnson. There is a notable amount of skepticism surrounding the vaccine that must be addressed to encourage adoption. Carter mentions, “If the numbers hold true, we need 60% compliance rather than the previously thought 80-90% to achieve herd immunity.” Still, a majority of the population must be vaccinated for the virus to diminish in our communities.
As with everything related to COVID-19, new answers lead to further questions. We know the vaccine is 90% effective and that there are no major safety concerns. Those are the key takeaways. However, we still have many uncertainties. For instance, there is little understanding of how this vaccine will impact children, pregnant women, or those over 85. We also don’t yet know the duration of immunity, whether it prevents severe or mild cases, or if vaccinated individuals can still spread the virus.
Furthermore, we do not know if this data applies to individuals who have already developed antibodies due to prior infection. There remains much to learn. We must continue to heed the advice of healthcare experts and maintain social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene to protect ourselves and our communities. Nevertheless, Pfizer and BioNTech’s announcement is undeniably a beacon of hope in a year that has often felt overwhelmingly bleak.
For more insights, check out this related article and for authority on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, March of Dimes offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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