Kaitlyn Mason | Co-Editor-In-Chief
On Nov. 18, pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced with BioNTech in a press release that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate had met all of its checkpoints in their Phase 3 study. The data shows the vaccine candidate was effective in helping to prevent COVID-19 with an overall favorable safety profile.
According to the data from their study of nearly 44,000 people, the vaccine candidate was 95 percent effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. The results appeared to be consistent across age, race and ethnicity demographics. How does this impact Avon students? Do any have reservations about a possibly rushed vaccine?
Sophomore Tori Schenk said she trusts the statistics given.
“They are the people that have studied this and likely ran a bunch of tests,” said Schenk. “I trust it.”
However, Schenk said she fears the possible ramifications of releasing the vaccine. Like the flu shot, people could experience adverse side effects.
“My main concern with the vaccine would be that it doesn’t work, and that it ends up causing more people to become sick,” said Schenk. “Hopefully, this virus can be over soon and things can go back to normal.”
Pfizer has sent an application to the U.S. FDA for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This would allow the vaccine to be used during a public health emergency. If approved, the government and health authorities would first offer the vaccine to those deemed to have the greatest need by the CDC.
However, it isn’t expected to be released until 2021.
Senior Nodoka Kobayashi said she is going to wait before getting the vaccine.
“I’m unsure if it will actually work,” said Kobayashi.
As far as making the vaccine mandatory goes, Kobayashi said it should depend on the level of cases the country has upon its release.
“I think it should be recommended for those who want to take it if the cases decrease,” said Kobayashi. “But, if the cases are still the same, I think it should be required.”
Senior Matt Lawson said he is delighted to hear about the progression of the science towards stopping the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m excited about the breakthroughs that are being made because I want things to go back to normal, where masks aren’t mandatory everywhere,” said Lawson. “I’m lucky to not have contracted COVID-19, but I’m excited to see a decrease in the concern.”
RECENT STUDIES:
Nearly 60% of U.S. kids lack aerobic fitness – The American Heart Association (AHA) study was published in July of 2020.
One of the biggest contributors to low cardiovascular fitness in children is the decline in physical activity among young people, according to the AHA.
A resting heart rate above 90 could be a sign of poor cardiovascular health.
Illustration by Mira Branham
The Avon Echo 