One or more Covid-19 vaccines could be ready before the end of 2020, but leaders coordinating the distribution of future vaccines by federal health agencies warned that it is still important for Americans to adhere to health precautions in the meantime.
The Deputy Director of Infectious Diseases of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. According to Jay Butler, depending on the progress of ongoing clinical trials, one or maybe two COVID-19 vaccines may become available later this year.
“We are cautiously optimistic that the vaccine will be available, albeit in limited quantities, before the end of 2020,” Butler told reporters during a news conference on Wednesday.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar further said that by the end of January there would be adequate vaccine doses for all senior citizens, health care workers and first responders and all Americans who want them in late March or early April.
H.H.S. Secretary Alex Azare said to wash your hands frequently, watch your distance and wear face wear. Also, avoid situations where that is not possible. (Via Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution AP)
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Azar said there is hope in the form of a safe and effective vaccine in a matter of weeks or months.
The federal government is currently producing six potential vaccines through a program called Operation Worm Speed. The Food and Drug Administration plans to start distributing the vaccine as soon as it is vaccinated for use.
According to Butler, once they become available, the first vaccines will be distributed to those most at risk for the virus and essential health care workers. He said all the jurisdictions had submitted their distribution plans to the CDC and the plans are currently under review.
Despite a cheerful assessment of vaccine progress, officials warned that the coronavirus epidemic is still the most serious public health crisis the U.S. has faced in more than a century. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield noted that the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has passed 40 million this week and new cases are rising again in the US.
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According to Johns Hopkins University, only U.S. The coronavirus has infected more than 3.3 million people and killed more than 21,000. And the average number of new cases confirmed each day has tended to rise in the past week.
Redfield warned that U.S. The virus is “reaching a critical stage” and says Americans should “be diligent.”
“I know it’s been a difficult year for Americans, but we’re going to go the other way.”
Butler, CDC’s deputy director of infectious diseases, pointed to four general “rules of thumb” for assessing coronavirus risk: how closely you interact with others, how long an interaction lasts, whether the interaction takes place indoors or out. And how many people are involved.
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Azar said Americans should adhere to three Ws: frequent hand washing, looking at your distance, and wearing face wear. Also, avoid situations where that is not possible.
“It’s the same for gathering any kind of advice,” he said.
