COVID vaccines could be available by end of December

Following news that vaccine trials by Pfizer and Moderna have both proven to be about 95% effective, the question now is: when will they be available?

NBC News reports that could be as soon as end of December. But here’s what needs to happen first: An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application must be submitted to the FDA for review by the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) – which is schedule to meet Dec. 8-10. The group may want answers to follow up questions. A CDC advisory committee will make recommendations of which groups of people should be first in line to receive the vaccine(s). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has a scheduled meeting on Nov. 23, but no planned vote. Health officials expect front line workers – doctors and nurses – to receive the vaccine(s) first. Followed by the elderly and individuals at high risk due to health issues. The general public likely won’t be in line until Spring or Summer 2021.