It is a HUGE week in the United States with the first of the COVID-19 vaccines having been approved and starting to be distributed. In fact, a certain number of doses arrived at LAX already, and the approved vaccine will arrive at 145 different sites across the US today!
However, the fact that the vaccine is starting to be distributed does not mean we're out of the woods just yet. Some Americans will receive the vaccine as early as TODAY, yes, but as we have heard throughout this process, it will take months before everyone has access to the vaccine. Which means, it's still important to wear your mask and social distance.
PEOPLE shared what Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said regarding the idea of continuing safety measures: “Obviously, with a 90-plus percent effective vaccine, you could feel much more confident... But I would recommend to people to not abandon all public health measures just because you have been vaccinated.”
Yes, this is due to the vaccine being released in waves, but this is also because the vaccine requires two doses in order to be fully effective. So while people in the first round of the vaccine - frontline health care workers and the residents and staff of long-term care facilities - will have one dose, that doesn't mean it is at its fill 90-95% effectiveness until they get the second dose. Generally speaking, until we all have both doses of the vaccine, we shouldn't expect things to be "normal" again!
The great news? While the vaccine will be given out in waves (after frontline workers and those in long-term care facilities is essential workers, then people over 65, then the general population), it is expected everyone will have access to the vaccine by spring and summer.
There is still a huge need for us to stay home, stay safe and social distance, but there is CERTAINLY a light at the end of all of this. I can't wait to be able to gather with friends and family again without any worry!!
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