Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1022
Won't be easy to dispense....
11/10/2020 at 10:12 AM
Not to also be a "negative nelly", but folks need to be aware that this particular vaccine (if used) will be difficult to do. First, this is an vaccine based on RNA research which is new grounds when it comes to development, effectiveness and mass production. Non of which has been done with such speed and scale. Production will take time because of the new technology methods being applied that were never done before in such volumes. Projections are figured to be after March or April before the first batch will be available to the general public. Distribution, transportation and storage will also be slow because of the challenge of maintaining the vaccine at minus 75 degrees. Administering will also have it's difficulties... Needs to be mixed right before the injection and it's two applications. A first injection, then to follow four to six weeks later with a "booster". That will mean after four weeks when released to the public, first injection appointments will need to be reduced to less than half to provide time and space for those booked to do the follow up shot. The "paper work" and call back appointments will be a huge headache for those distributing the vaccines. It's claimed effectiveness is solely base on vaccinations with the booster shot. People must have that follow up shot for it to be fully effective or it will prove pointless for many. Studies also show that the vaccine works best for those with younger and healthier immune systems. Those with weaker or suppressed immune systems will still have a possibility in getting ill from exposure to the virus, due to the slower response from within their own bodies capabilities to fight off the infection. Thus, this is should not be thought of as a cure but only as a method to slow down the rate of public transmission. Also early studies show that adaptation mutation of the virus does happen and it can be assumed that the effectiveness of this vaccine will diminish as early as a year. Similarly like to the process need to be done with more common influenza virus, annual vaccinations made be delegated to our health programs. Meaning that this vaccine announced is not a "silver bullet" for COVID 19. Like it or not, this virus is/has integrated into our species, much like how the common cold, flu, measles, chickenpox/shingles or mumps has persisted to remain within our society.
Don't get me wrong, this is still a massive achievement. But, don't think that the COVID stuff is about to end. And we are in for much more of the same this year in the years to come.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.