COVID-19 Vaccine 95% Effective, Trials Show
With COVID-19 still running rampant in the United States and picking up again around the world, a vaccine may becoming closer to reality. This global state of emergency is carefully monitored by politicians and governments around the world. Most countries around the world have done something towards stemming the new cases of COVID-10, with parts of the United Kingdom and Europe going back into lockdown as another wave begins just before the holiday season.
The United States, currently embroiled in finalizing the results of the Presidential election, is seeing some of their highest numbers since the pandemic was first identified, with many states still not enforcing lockdowns or mandatory mask orders. Additionally, many Americans are still questioning the validity of the pandemic thanks to questionable information that has been released by the government that contradicts medical professionals around the world.
Pandemic Serious And Requires Resilience
Asot Michael, a Member of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda has been preaching this since the start. “This pandemic is serious,” he stated to Parliament in a socially distanced meeting. “It requires us to avoid panic and to act responsibly.” He continued his speech by saying, “There is no doubt that our resilience will be challenged like never before not just in combating the spread but in how we turn this period of uncertainty and adversity into advancement opportunities.”
Pfizer and BioNTech have done just that, announcing on November 18, 2020, that the efficacy portion of their COVID-19 vaccine trial has shown to prevent 95% of cases. They are moving forward with their vaccine, submitting it to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in hopes of being able to get emergency use authorization while also submitting it to other regulatory agencies around the world.
Global Health Care Systems Straining To Keep Up
Like the rest of the world, Antigua and Barbuda stepped up their border protection and began working hard to contain the spread of the disease. It challenged both the island nation’s health care systems and the fear of being overwhelmed is still with the medical community today, even with the promise of a vaccine.
Asot Michael’s statement about their healthcare system still rings true eleven months into the pandemic. “There is no question that our health care system needs additional capacity for effective management and control of this pandemic… more doctors, more nurses, more testing equipment, special isolation units, more hospital beds, more ventilators, more personal protective equipment, adequate medical supplies, epidemiological surveillance systems to detect outbreaks at a community level, quarantine facilities.”
Results Are Promising, But What About Side Effects?
Pfizer’s results on their vaccine trials could be the control the island nations need. Additionally, another medical company, Moderna, is working on a similar vaccine, also with results that look promising. However, it may still be after the beginning of the new year before the vaccines are available globally.
Pfizer’s vaccine trial was tested on 43,661 volunteers with common side effects tracked in 8,000 of the patients. Fatigue seemed to the most severe side effect, occurring in more than 2% of the tracked patients, with headaches being reported by 2% of those tracked. 3.7% of those patients who receive a second dose also complained of fatigue. Moderna also reported muscle pain and achiness, and all of the patients stated that the side effects were short-lived.
“Everyone Is Responsible For Helping Reduce The Spread Of COVID-19”
In an effort to keep residents mindful of the pandemic, Asot Michael urges them to continue their efforts to protect themselves and everyone around them. “Everyone is responsible for helping reduce the spread of COVID-19 until a vaccine is available. To do that, continue keeping your mind, body, and surroundings clean. Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Cover your face when coughing and sneezing. If you use a tissue, please, properly dispose of it. Continue maintaining social distance and use the time to rest and seek solitude while seeking self-renewal and growth.”
He also recommends eating healthy, regular exercise and the proper amount of sleep to boost the immune system, taking care of loved ones and being supportive, careful, and alert. “Most of all,” he continues, “Please be kind to all of those you come in contact with. Remember that they may be dealing with the pandemic differently than you or may have loved ones suffering from this awful illness.”
