Pfizer and BioNTech said in a statement on Monday that their COVID-19 vaccine looks promising after getting early results in the testing stage, bringing excitement to Americans who have been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 virus since the beginning of 2020. That is the first COVID vaccine in the United States to reach the advanced stages of testing with early results looking promising.
Pfizer and BioNTech said those who were given the trial vaccine in two doses three weeks apart, saw more than 90 percent fewer cases of COVID-19 with symptoms than the ones who were given a placebo vaccine. The estimated success percentage was originally approximately 60 or 70 percent. With the early returns showing approximately a 90 percent success rate, there is lots of room for optimism regarding the vaccine these companies are developing. There is, however, still a few hurdles to jump before it is mass distributed to the public.
There are still many unknowns about the vaccine, such as how long it will protect against COVID-19 and how severe the reported side effects of body aches and fevers are.
Pfizer and BioNTech will not apply for an emergency authorization to distribute the vaccine until researchers observe participants for two months after their second dose for any additional side effects or symptoms. Pfizer noted that the date is approximately around the third week of November. Pfizer told STAT that if approved, there would be about 50 million doses available globally by the end of 2020, and an additional 1.3 billion by 2021.
Both Walgreens and CVS have been tasked by the government to mass-distribute the vaccine. Their infrastructure is already in place to distribute a vaccine on such a large scale, with cold storage being needed to store the vaccine doses.
If the results continue to come in and the 90 percent success rate solidifies, this is a big step in the right direction for a COVID-19 vaccine to become available to the masses. Hopefully, by the end of 2021, the global population can make COVID-19 a thing of the past, and we can return to some form of pre-pandemic normalcy.
Agents
We hope this information on the COVID-19 vaccine looks promising is helpful to you.
Empower Brokerage is dedicated to helping you educate your clients on the insurance they need and staying on top of their health. Whether it’s through webinar training, one-on-one calls, seminars, or marketing plans. We want you to be successful. Give us a call if you have any questions at 888-539-1633.
Quick Links:
• Get Customized Marketing Materials
Jeffrey is a graduate from the University of North Texas and joined the Empower Brokerage marketing team in 2020. He is the social media manager for empower brokerage, in addition to writing blogs and doing various campaigns. LinkedIn profile
