The Covid-19 Vaccine Needs to be Safer Than Ever
After almost ten months of dealing with Covid-19 and quarantine, the Covid-19 vaccine is on the horizon, and it needs to be safer than ever.
On November 20th, Boulder and several other Colorado counties moved the level red due to the drastically increasing number of Covid-19 cases. This moves us to the second-highest level on the state dial, meaning we are at severe risk in terms of the virus. This comes with several changes, including most indoor activities being prohibited and updated capacity restrictions.
Though this increase in cases is scary, many are optimistic about a new vaccine. The pharmaceutical company Moderna is going to apply for authorization of their vaccine from the FDA; their data has shown the drug to be 94.1% effective at preventing the disease. The CDC is set to vote on December 10th on who will be the first to receive the treatment. This is exciting news, and many people are hoping the vaccine will be rushed and released as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many barriers may prohibit this vaccine from being as successful as possible.
The most important part of a vaccine like this is effectiveness, and though in the trials, this vaccine has been quite successful, there are many factors that affect widespread distribution. For example, while these vaccines are being transported, it’s important they are kept in ideal conditions, or they may not work. Because this virus is so dangerous, people receiving an ineffective vaccine and acting as if they are immune could cause another spike in cases. It can take several weeks after receiving the vaccine for it to be effective, so even after receiving a working vaccine, you may still need to social distance for several weeks. There will also probably be a distribution timeline, essential workers and healthcare providers will likely be the first to receive the vaccine, and it could take longer before the vaccine is readily available to the public, especially for low-risk people.
With cases on the rise and a vaccine on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to be careful. The best-case scenario for this vaccine is that everyone who receives it is not currently infected. Those who have already recovered may still benefit from the vaccine depending on which strand of the virus they had. But if a person has Covid 19 and receives the vaccine, it won’t do anything, and if that person acts as though they’re immune to the virus, it will only spread more.
Right now, everyone should stay at home to the highest extent they are able. Avoid indoor gatherings, and work from home if possible. The progression of the vaccine is very hopeful, and it’s important to hold onto that hope, but it’s equally important to create an environment where the vaccine could work as well as possible once it is released. The vaccine will make major progress towards stabilizing the pandemic; however, it is vital to follow protocols as this will make the vaccine as effective as possible.
Selah is a BHS senior who enjoys writing and wants to continue improving her skills by joining the OWL. She hopes to bring to light to important issues in and beyond the Boulder High community and share some of her many opinions. When she’s not doing work for her classes, Selah enjoys nature. She grows many plants, including purple grapes in her backyard, which she far prefers to the green ones. She spends a lot of time hiking, camping, and enjoying the Colorado mountains. Selah likes to read. She often reads fiction; however, philosophy and nonfiction are also her favorites. She is also a singer and piano player and has written several songs of her own and many in collaboration with her brother....
Ben Stafford • Dec 14, 2020 at 10:01 pm
This article was a much needed wakeup call. It is so true that the last thing that the country needs is people thinking they can return back to normal the second they get the vaccine. I agree that the news of the vaccine is all the more reason to tighten up one’s following of the COVID guidelines for the final stretch until the vaccine is distributed and a few weeks after the vaccine is received. Way to take responsibility and remind the community to be hopeful, but to also remember that COVID is still here at the moment. Great job!
Caris Mullen • Dec 8, 2020 at 6:48 pm
This was extremely important information and I learned so much from this piece. It’s very important to explain exactly how the vaccine works and everything that comes along with ensuring the vaccine will be effective, such as temperature. Although this is a great step in the right direction, it won’t be an overnight fix, we will still have to take precautions like wearing masks which was explained so well. This article really explained the reality of this vaccine and was super helpful.
Malia Hanson • Dec 8, 2020 at 1:38 pm
I found it really important that you explained how the vaccine would not be a band-aid, fix-all for the pandemic. It is important that people understand that for this virus to go away, it will take a vaccine as well as distancing and mask wearing.
Taylor Miller • Dec 8, 2020 at 1:37 pm
This was very informative and helpful. I think it is important to note that people believe the vaccine will be 100%, which is not the case. This will then lead people to going back to normal life and activities, which should not happen. It takes time for things like this to play out, and we all just need to be patient right now.
Samantha Nudelman • Dec 8, 2020 at 1:28 pm
This article makes an important point about the supposed Covid vaccine. It is important for people to realize the vaccine will not instantly solve all our problems. Even with new medicine, it’s important to continue following protocols so that everyone’s safety is priority.
Lucia D Murdock • Dec 8, 2020 at 9:29 am
This is important information for people to know. I feel many people think once they receive the vaccine they will be able to go right back to normal life, which is clearly not the full truth.