After many social-distanced months of waiting for a Coronavirus breakthrough, it finally seems like there is an end in sight. Pfizer has developed a vaccine, and on Wednesday, November 18, it was proclaimed to be 95% effective. After Pfizer made a deal with the federal government, it was decided that the vaccine will be free of charge to the American people. The first round of vaccinations will be given to those at the greatest risk: health care workers and the elderly.
The vaccine releases mRNA into the body to simulate real Coronavirus exposure, preparing the patient’s immune system. It requires two doses and must be stored at negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
The trial’s participants included 44,000 volunteers: 22,000 who received the vaccine and 22,000 who received a salt water placebo. The findings were reassuring. In total, 170 test subjects ended up contracting the virus. In the placebo group, there were 162 cases, and in the vaccine group, there were only 8 cases, proving that the vaccine does in fact work. Very few symptoms were reported. Of those in the vaccine group, 3.7% felt tired and 2% had headaches after the vaccine’s second dose. Surprisingly, the older participants were less likely to experience these symptoms.
Pfizer is ready to send the vaccine to the FDA for approval, which could take a few weeks. In the best case scenario, the vaccine will be ready for distribution in December. This news provides a bit of hope, but gives all the more reason to follow California mandates and prevent new surges in cases meanwhile.