DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- Pfizer and BioNTech, bio pharmaceutical companies say their vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing Covid-19.
The announcement came less than a week after an election seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump’s handling of the scourge, which has killed more than 1.2 million people worldwide, including almost a quarter-million in the United States alone.
“We’re in a position potentially to be able to offer some hope,” Dr. Bill Gruber, Pfizer’s senior vice president of clinical development, told The Associated Press. “We’re very encouraged.”
Britt Berrett Director of the Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management at UT-Dallas said having a vaccine available to fight such a difficult virus is groundbreaking and exciting.
“We are very excited about this. It will not be the only vaccine that will he made available others are at the cusp of announcing breakthroughs. But what’s even more exciting is the speed and efficiency in which we have been able to determine this,” he said.
He said of course people may be cautious to try something so new. However, he said healthcare innovation is moving more rapidly and the study and research has been very thorough. “Pfizer is well documented and has a very strong track record,” said Barrett.
The companies plan to ask the FDA for emergency authorization of the two-dose vaccine later this month. Pfizer officials said by the end of the year it will have manufactured enough doses to immunize up to 20 million people.
Berrett said we still need to remain diligent and vigilant on high risk and vulnerable populations
“Just because we have a vaccine doesn’t mean we will take our foot off the gas on this. The small and simple things like social distancing, wearing a mask and being aware is important,” said Barrett. “These are all disciplines that will help us into the future so don’t throw away your masks folks, keep a rich supply because this is how the new world will evolve,” he said.