The first biological attempt to halt the COVID-19 pandemic has been released. Created first by Pfitzer and then modified by Moderna, the vaccine has been clinically proven to assist in the prevention of the COVID-19 virus by the CDC (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention). According to fda.gov, the COVID-19 vaccine has proved it’s effectiveness with a 95% COVID-19 prevention rate. Many Americans have jumped at this opportunity. In a report by WebMD, out of the 11.4 million doses of the Pfitzer and Moderna vaccine distributed, approximately 2.1 million doses have been given as of January 4, 2021.  As suspicions arise regarding long-term side effects, the CDC ensures that the vaccine has been proved safe. As of January 5, 2021, the CDC put the vaccine through a new safety tool known as “v-safe.” 

“V-safe is a smartphone based tool that uses text-messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive the COVID-19 vaccination,” the CDC said. 

According to emergency medicine physician Dr. Jess Daniel, after getting the injection, he experienced mild symptoms. He claims to having mild tenderness at the site of the injection and mild fatigue the day after receiving the vaccine. 

According to Daniel, the vaccine has a high protection percentage.  

“My opinion on the effectiveness of the vaccine is derived directly from the data gathered from the manufacturers and the FDA.  The vaccine (the recommended two dose regiment) should provide around 90% protection against a significant case of COVID 19 infection.  I trust their data and information,” Dr. Daniel said. 

In order for the vaccine to reach it’s full effectiveness a second dose is recommended 3-4 weeks following the first dose, according both the CDC and Dr. Daniel. 

“The way our immune system works, and subsequently the way vaccines work, the second dose boosts our body’s ability to recognize and destroy the virus, thus making the process more effective,” Dr. Daniel said.

The vaccine is only 52% effective after the first dose, according to a study by The New England Journal of Medicine. 

“Nevertheless, in the interval between the first and second doses, the observed vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 was 52%, and in the first 7 days after dose 2, it was 91%, reaching full efficacy against disease with onset at least 7 days after dose 2,” the clinical trial group for the New England Journal of Medicine said. “Of the 10 cases of severe COVID-19 that were observed after the first dose, only 1 occurred in the vaccine group.” 

Even after two doses of the vaccine, social distancing and masks are still required by the CDC. However, there is a possibility that if enough people receive the vaccination, masks could become optional. 

“In theory, if enough people get vaccinated and we can develop herd immunity, then yes, masks can no longer be required,” Dr. Daniel said. 

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), in order to reach herd immunity, 60%-80% of the communities population must develop permanent immunity from the specific virus through vaccination or natural antibodies. The US is far from reaching herd immunity weighing in at an immunity rate of 2% of the population, according to the WHO. 

Although attempts are being made to get rid of the virus, COVID-19 will still linger among the country. Because of this, the COVID-19 could become an essential vaccine, according to Dr. Daniel. 

The vaccine has been proven effective and is encouraged by a majority of health workers in our country.