TRIBUNE-REVIEW — With vaccine distribution likely weeks away, spirits have been buoyed at the thought of a literal shot in the arm after months of covid-19 anxiety and fatigue. While that optimism is just fine, experts say, many states face months of continued mitigation measures before vaccination becomes a reality. Continuing mitigation efforts—staying physically apart, wearing masks, and washing hands—remain vital to get the country over this mountain and into that timeframe where the vaccine supply will be able to meet the demand.
Dr. Amy Hartman, an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Center for Vaccine Research, said the early results from vaccine trials have her feeling more optimistic than she’s been throughout the pandemic. But, she cautioned, “it’s important to keep in mind that vaccines aren’t necessarily a finite ‘solution’ but they are an important step toward controlling the pandemic.”
Manufacturing and distribution take time, and there will likely be a lag because of a limited supply. While vaccinations of select groups could happen before year’s end, she said the majority of vaccines will be released in the first months of 2021. A widely distributed vaccine, she said, will go a long way in bringing back a sense of normalcy—or at least some sense of what used to be normal.
“It’s likely that we won’t be back to completely normal for a while—maybe never—due to an increased awareness of infectious diseases passed from person to person.”
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AP File Photo: Pedestrians walk past Pfizer world headquarters in NY. Pfizer announced results suggesting the shots are 95% effective a month after the first dose.
11/25/2020