Vaccination for COVID-19 is the highest priority of the United States in 2021. The research, development, and testing of this vaccine has been the most intensive in the history of vaccinations. Although two vaccines have been approved as safe and effective, there is still much hesitancy from the public in regard to the effectiveness of this vaccine. Many people are also wondering what will happen if the virus mutates and how this will affect the effectiveness of the current COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccine Distribution
There are currently three vaccines in the United States that are approved safe and effective against COVID-19. The federal government is distributing doses of this critical vaccine to the states as they become available. Each state has a plan in place for distributing these doses in what they deem the best manner. With each phase of the plan, more and more Americans will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, starting with the most vulnerable. Most states are currently reserving these doses for those in nursing homes and healthcare workers. However, as more doses become available, these boundaries will be extended to the general public. It is predicted that soon the vaccine will be available in pharmacies and doctor’s offices across the country.
Virus Mutations
As with any virus, it is likely that mutations will occur, and the vaccine will require updates in order to remain effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is already preparing for this situation. The head of Biologics Evaluation and Research has assured the public that these tweaks to the vaccine will not require the months of research and testing as the original vaccine and only need to perform small studies.
There has been a variant, originating in the UK, that has been identified in the United States. It is estimated that this strain of the virus will be the dominant strain in the United States by the end of March. Thankfully, data shows that our current Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still quite effective against this strain of the virus.
Get Vaccinated to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones
Each state has its own distribution phase plan in order to distribute the vaccine to citizens. Visit your state’s health department website for more information as to when you and your loved ones will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Do not listen to misinformation, heed advice from reputable sources, including the FDA and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and necessary to slow the progression of the virus and will save countless lives. It is imperative to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible.
