Pfizer announces success in Phase 3 trials for COVID-19 vaccine

After eight months of COVID-19 restrictions, more than 10 million cases, and nearly 250 thousand deaths in the United States alone, it appears that things will not be returning to “normal” any time soon.

Here at Elmhurst University, classes for the spring 2021 semester will continue to be a blend of hybrid and online classes. On-campus social distancing policies and mask requirements will also remain. 

However, a recent advancement in vaccine development for COVID-19 may provide hope to those who are fatigued with the pandemic. 

Pfizer Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that has been developing a vaccine for COVID-19 since March. On Nov. 9, Pfizer announced the success of their Phase 3 clinical trials for the vaccine.  

In their trials, Pfizer compared the effects of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine and a placebo vaccine on the coronavirus. The finals results found that the experimental vaccine was 95 percent more effective at fighting COVID-19 compared to the placebo controls. 

“We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis,” Dr. Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer Inc., said in an official statement. 

Although this unexpected news is a sign of light at the end of the tunnel, it could still be a while before a vaccine is readily available to the public. Phase 3 trials for the vaccine are still occurring and they could take up to two months to complete.

After they receive FDA approval, Pfizer will be able to mass-produce the vaccine for general use and administration. 500 million doses by the end of 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021 are projected to be delivered by Pfizer. Synchronization among multiple manufacturers, medical suppliers, federal and state governments, and health care providers is required for the effective distribution of the vaccine.

Pfizer estimates that approximately 12.5 million Americans could receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2020. It is uncertain who will receive these doses since they can only go to a portion of the population. 

Ultimately, the success of the Pfizer clinical trial may aid in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.