Vaccine development was previously a 10-15 year process, and had the COVID-19 vaccines been made in this manner, scientists would still be the exploratory phase of the development process 9.
#NYTIMES VACCINE TRACKER TRIAL#
On February 10th 2021, the New York Times Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker reported that 69 COVID-19 vaccines were in the human clinical trial phase 8. With the aid of new vaccine development technologies, human clinical trials for the first potential COVID-19 vaccine began on March 16th 2020, just 4 months following the outbreak 7. One of the main goals of a vaccination strategy is to create herd immunity, which is a large population of people that are immune to a specific disease 6. The COVID-19 vaccine: development, efficacy, and side effectsĪ vaccine is considered effective when it reduces the infection rate, disease severity, or disease transmission. This article aims to provide insight into the COVID-19 vaccine, concerns for cancer patients, and recommendations of healthcare professionals. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) has stated that vaccine production will be in accordance with legal and regulatory guidelines 5.Ī cancer patient, who’s immune system is likely compromised by the effects of chemotherapy, would be understandably concerned about the virus and possible risks associated with the vaccine. Furthermore, the speed with which the COVID-19 vaccines were developed have left many questioning whether proper precautions and protocols are still being implemented. A poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs research reported that of the 20% of Americans that did not want the COVID-19 vaccine, 70% were concerned about side effects 4. Despite the relief that this brings to some, many are concerned about the effects of the vaccine. The overwhelming nature of this pandemic has led to the development of COVID-19 vaccines within an unprecedented timeframe. Worldwide regulations promoting social distancing and hygiene have prevented transmission, but they have also crippled the economy and stifled social freedoms 1,2. The limitations of hospital capacity, ventilators, and healthcare personnel have been constant concerns throughout this pandemic. Over 2.35 million people have already succumb to the virus 1–3. The highly contagious nature of this virus, which is spread through droplets and aerosols released when an infected person sneezes or coughs, is evident by the fact that over 106 million COVID-19 cases have been reported worldwide.
Most people experience flu-like symptoms however, in the elderly and those with comorbidities, mild respiratory issues can quickly progress to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, resulting in multiple organ failure and death. COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, targets the respiratory system. Every aspect of the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has occurred at record speeds, from disease transmission to vaccine development.
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