People around the world are talking about a vaccine for COVID-19. In the United States, there isn’t an approved vaccine for COVID-19, yet. But the arrival is imminent and the first wave of inoculations is set for this month.  

The Federal government and scientists have been working on a vaccine for COVID-19 since the pandemic began.  Operation Warp Speed was an agreement with the U.S. government and the nine companies to develop a vaccine fast by 2021.  These labs have been making vaccines for the coronavirus as quickly as possible, competing to be the first with a viable product.  

Scientists need to test the vaccine on animals to make sure it’s not going to affect people negatively. First, they test the vaccine on little animals before moving on to test the vaccine on big animals. After they test animals for side effects and safety, they can give the vaccine to humans.  Human trials have been underway for some time now and show promise.     

Pfizer announced their vaccine is more than 90% effective.  The FDA still needs to approve it but Pfizer said they are hoping to have the approval from the FDA soon. 

Pfizer is also the first company to test a vaccine on kids. Time Magazine reported on Katelyn Evans, a 16 year old from Cincinnati Ohio who was brave enough to volunteer to get the vaccine. She was a part of a trial because she said, “I’m more afraid of COVID-19 than a vaccine.”  

Soon after Pfizer’s announcement, Moderna stated their vaccine is 94.5% effective.  They are also seeking emergency approval. 

Scientists usually take 10 to 15 years before they are ready to release a vaccine. It takes time to detect a germ called an antigen to stop a virus. Vaccines also require thousands of individuals to be tested for the virus. Scientists must also find out how much of the vaccine to give to people. Then, the FDA, food and drug administration, have to approve it. 

There are also obstacles that make producing and distributing a vaccine hard. Scientists and government officials have more obstacles to face ahead when determining how to get it to people.  The biggest challenge is that the vaccine has to be kept cold at -70 C. Most vaccines are at -20 C, but this one needs to be kept at a much colder temperature.

Despite all of the hard work of scientists and government officials to make the vaccine a reality, some people don’t want it. They worry they will get infected by a rushed vaccine. People don’t want the vaccine because they are unsure of the side effects.

However, many people want the vaccine for COVID-19 and they want it to be ready now. They trust the scientists and aren’t worried.  

Others are on the fence.  Aryiah Smith, a Sultana student said, “It would depend on how effective the vaccine is, but I would choose to get it.” 

People all over the world are talking about the vaccines that are coming soon and could help restore normalcy. After a long year of waiting,  it’ll be here before we know it!

The people of Operation Warp Speed are saying the vaccine is going to be ready by the end of this year. The companies, Moderna and Pfizer are confident that their vaccines are safe. FDA approval is anticipated any day now.  Soon, we should have a new weapon in our battle against COVID-19.