Expectations for the COVID-19 Vaccine
BY DIVYASHRI PRASATH '23
As the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine concludes, we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Recently, vaccine distributors have picked up the pace, but the general public’s expectations for the vaccine timeline do not match that reality of the situation. Even under the best circumstances, the process of vaccinating more people will face some difficulties and take time—likely much longer than many expect. Because there is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding when we will return to normalcy, it is imperative that people maintain realistic expectations for the vaccine so that we address the situation with proper precautions.
Though nearly 2 million receive vaccinations per day, some setbacks continue to hinder the process. Currently, the vaccine is distributed in phases according to one’s risk factors, with high-risk citizens having first priority. However, some continue to refuse the vaccine which slows the entire process down for everyone else.
The vaccine has shown promising results, and about 50% to 80% of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent the virus’s spread. Yet, about 30% of Americans refuse the coronavirus vaccine—either because of disbelief in the virus or skepticism of the vaccine—putting more people at risk and further delaying the return to normalcy. In particular, when healthcare workers, who play an essential role during the pandemic, turn away the vaccine, unnecessary risk is placed upon themselves and their patients.
Additionally, the general unfamiliarity of the vaccination process impedes the return to normalcy. From the initial development to the first vaccine rollout, the process has been moving rapidly so far. To provide a sense of this speed, vaccines are traditionally made and tested over a couple years, whereas the COVID-19 vaccine was successfully produced in about a year. Still, there is a limited supply of the vaccine, and new strains of the virus appear constantly. Taking these setbacks into consideration, we must continue taking normal precautions in addition to the vaccine, like wearing a mask and sanitizing. Because the vaccine is now available and seems largely successful, some think that pandemic will be quickly and entirely eradicated. However, looking at current circumstances, perpetual uncertainty and the precariousness of the situation undermines these unrealistic expectations.
Because of ambiguity in this post-vaccination world, people must develop more realistic expectations for the near future. The public shouldn’t hastily exchange safety guidelines like mask wearing and social distancing for false optimism; the vaccine will not automatically resolve the pandemic. Indeed, some states have already started lifting mask mandates despite the new virus strains and other potential setbacks. By reaching faulty conclusions about the vaccination process and acting upon these unrealistically high expectations, people put others at risk. This trend may result in a coronavirus resurgence—an outcome no one wants to see.
Although there is much uncertainty surrounding the vaccination process, we still see a lot of progress and a hopeful future. However, in order to achieve this normalcy, people need to reset their expectations and continue to take proper precautions. Clinging to high or unrealistic expectations is dangerous in a pandemic-dominated world, since uninformed decisions can easily lead to devastating repercussions. Yet, if we each fulfill our role as responsible, diligent citizens, the future will be much brighter.
Though nearly 2 million receive vaccinations per day, some setbacks continue to hinder the process. Currently, the vaccine is distributed in phases according to one’s risk factors, with high-risk citizens having first priority. However, some continue to refuse the vaccine which slows the entire process down for everyone else.
The vaccine has shown promising results, and about 50% to 80% of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent the virus’s spread. Yet, about 30% of Americans refuse the coronavirus vaccine—either because of disbelief in the virus or skepticism of the vaccine—putting more people at risk and further delaying the return to normalcy. In particular, when healthcare workers, who play an essential role during the pandemic, turn away the vaccine, unnecessary risk is placed upon themselves and their patients.
Additionally, the general unfamiliarity of the vaccination process impedes the return to normalcy. From the initial development to the first vaccine rollout, the process has been moving rapidly so far. To provide a sense of this speed, vaccines are traditionally made and tested over a couple years, whereas the COVID-19 vaccine was successfully produced in about a year. Still, there is a limited supply of the vaccine, and new strains of the virus appear constantly. Taking these setbacks into consideration, we must continue taking normal precautions in addition to the vaccine, like wearing a mask and sanitizing. Because the vaccine is now available and seems largely successful, some think that pandemic will be quickly and entirely eradicated. However, looking at current circumstances, perpetual uncertainty and the precariousness of the situation undermines these unrealistic expectations.
Because of ambiguity in this post-vaccination world, people must develop more realistic expectations for the near future. The public shouldn’t hastily exchange safety guidelines like mask wearing and social distancing for false optimism; the vaccine will not automatically resolve the pandemic. Indeed, some states have already started lifting mask mandates despite the new virus strains and other potential setbacks. By reaching faulty conclusions about the vaccination process and acting upon these unrealistically high expectations, people put others at risk. This trend may result in a coronavirus resurgence—an outcome no one wants to see.
Although there is much uncertainty surrounding the vaccination process, we still see a lot of progress and a hopeful future. However, in order to achieve this normalcy, people need to reset their expectations and continue to take proper precautions. Clinging to high or unrealistic expectations is dangerous in a pandemic-dominated world, since uninformed decisions can easily lead to devastating repercussions. Yet, if we each fulfill our role as responsible, diligent citizens, the future will be much brighter.
