Without a doubt, the most anticipated events of 2021 is the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine, large enough quantities to finally help stem the tide of the pandemic. The timeline for the rollout is ambitious especially given the daunting logistics of distributing two dose vaccines that must be stored at extremely low temperatures. Bearing in mind that things will inevitably go wrong and they will be delays, here's what you can expect to happen.
The first vaccines ship
Following initial shipments of an estimated 6.4 million doses by year end, the center for disease control are recommending that 70 million healthcare workers and nursing home residents who account for more than a third of deaths from October 19, get the first vaccines and next is the police, fire fighters, transportation workers, teachers and by the end of December, a substantial proportion of the population are expected to be vaccinated according to Dr Anthony fauci,the USA leading infectious disease official.
The Moderna vaccine follows
Pending authorisation for emergency use of Moderna vaccine, an additional 20 million doses will go out by year-end 2020 in the USA.
Vulnerable populations are protected
The next priority will be to vaccinate high-risk populations of people over 65 years old and those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart ailments and cancer. Experts expect this to take place in January and February when about 80 million people will be inoculated.
Vaccines become available to the general public
Doctor Fauci has said that most people will be able to walk into a CVS or a Walgreens and get vaccinated by April other experts say it may take until June.
Data is available on risks to pregnant women, children
Studies that focus on pregnant women and children excluded from the Pfizer and Moderna trials are expected in the first quarter but pregnant and lactating women shouldn't wait health officials say.
Masks are no longer necessary
During the vaccine rollout, health experts recommend that people wear masks in public and given the current rising prevalence, there is likely to be a lot of virus in circulation for months but once immunity has been reached, when 50 to 70% of the population is vaccinated, masks will no longer be recommended that probably won't happen before the second half of 2021.