COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Offers a Promising End to the Pandemic

 

By Isaac Shiner-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorizations (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, an important milestone in battling this pandemic. The vaccines were approved for individuals 16 and 18 years of age and older respectively and consists of a two-dose series separated by 21 days and 28 days respectively.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a committee within the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also recommended the vaccines for use. “Through the FDA’s open and transparent scientific review process, two COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized in an expedited time frame while adhering to the rigorous standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization that the American people have come to expect from the FDA.,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. following the authorizations. 

The Pfizer vaccine is unique in its nature, “it contains messenger RNA (mRNA), which is genetic material. The vaccine contains a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s mRNA that instructs cells in the body to make the virus’s distinctive “spike” protein. When a person receives this vaccine, their body produces copies of the spike protein, which does not cause disease, but triggers the immune system to learn to react defensively, producing an immune response against SARS-CoV-2,” the FDA explained. Additionally, the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at ultra-cold conditions, and it will be shipped at -112°F to -76°F temperatures. The Moderna Vaccine is similar in nature and uses the same mRNA technology, however it only needs to be shipped at -13°F and 5°F. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has set up a guide to assist local health departments in vaccine administration. In Illinois, all local health departments and organizations involved in vaccine distribution must agree to the IDPH and CDC recommendations. Four phases have been established for the distribution. Phase 1 has already begun and includes health care personnel and long term facilities personnel. Already, as of the end of December, 126,211 COVID-19 vaccines have been given in Illinois. Phase 2 will begin once vaccines become more available and tentatively includes workers in industries and occupations important to the functioning of society and people with moderate comorbid conditions. Phase 3 will occur when vaccines become more widely available and would include young adults and children (if pediatric vaccines are approved). Finally, phase 4 is intended to ensure that all people who need or want a vaccine can be vaccinated. At this point, private providers, and pharmacies will assume the majority of the vaccination efforts. 

Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Alex Azar explained that he believes vaccines will be available for all Americans by late Spring-especially if more vaccine candidates become approved. And, the Village of Skokie has ensured that “when the vaccine is readily available, Health and Human Services will be opening a public clinic where the vaccine will be administered to Skokie residents by appointment.” Already, some teachers have been eligible to receive the vaccine. Ms. Goldstein, the English Chair, described her reaction to receiving the first dose as “I feel like I won the lottery.”