So, what is really going on with Covid-19 vaccines? Who has the best vaccine? Who would get the vaccine first when it does eventually come out? As of this month, news has been released about having a potential Covid-19 vaccine early as the end of the year or 2021. This injection would create antibodies with weak germs of Covid-19 in a person’s body. This way, it could prevent Covid-19 and if the person does come in contact with another who has these germs, the body would be able to prevent Covid-19 from infecting it. Now, the FDA must approve these vaccines before giving it to all of the U.S. Of course, there has been much testing on these vaccines, but they must be thoroughly checked. Therefore, there are two main companies—Moderna and Pfizer—who have been working hard to get these vaccines approved. However, there are some problems as this is not an easy task. Pfizer’s vaccine is 95% effective, while Moderna’s is 94.5% effective, but being more effective doesn’t necessarily mean that one vaccine is better than the other. Now, both companies are moving very quickly in testing since the people who have volunteered to test are showing results faster. Here’s the problem, Pfizer’s vaccine must be stored in -94 degrees Fahrenheit while Moderna’s needs to be stored only at -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Pfizer’s many vaccines that will need to be stored  is extremely difficult at regular pharmacies or doctor offices. Moderna’s on the other hand can be stored easier. Additionally, Pfizer’s vaccine can only be stored for 15 days, or it does not work any more, while Moderna’s can be stored for 30 days. This is a huge difference and Moderna’s is definitely more of a convenience. Clearly, the vaccines have their negatives and positives, but no one can really be given the vaccine until the FDA approves it. 

So, who would get the vaccine first? Well, experts really think of the people who are most exposed and getting sick first. This would lead their thinking to first responders and essential workers. They are exposed to the most people with Covid-19 and get sick from it. Giving them the vaccine first could really lower numbers. Next would include nursery homes and elderly where Covid-19 is very likely to be transmitted. Because these people have lower immunities, their bodies can not sustain the virus and it takes the body over most likely shutting it down. Then, there would be children and teenagers that would receive it. This age group is most likely to carry the virus and give it to older generations. If the carriers stop carrying the virus, Covid-19 numbers could lower even more. Finally, middle aged people would receive the vaccine which would leave all ages vaccinated and little to no cases of Covid-19. Things would go back to normal. However, this process will take a while, especially because these vaccines have to still get approved, and experts are even saying that the earliest all Americans could be vaccinated is the summer of 2021.