An article published in BBC news says first Americans to receive a Covid-19 vaccine could get it as soon as 11 December, according to the head of the US coronavirus vaccine programme.
The US has recorded more than 12m cases and 255,000 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Current Status of Covid-19 Vaccine
American pharmaceutical company Pfizer and its partner BioNTech submitted an application on Friday. It is for emergency authorization in the US of their Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccine requires two doses. According to tests results it is 95% effective. Pfizer hopes to produce up to 50 million doses by the end of the year.
Pharmaceutical company Moderna has also reported that its vaccine is nearly 95% effective. It will also apply for approval in upcoming weeks.
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vaccine advisory committee is will meet on 10 December to discuss whether to authorize the vaccine.
Doctor’s Reaction
Dr Moncef Slaoui
He told US network CNN “the plan was to ship vaccines to the immunization sites within 24 hours” of a vaccine being approved. He further added that “with the level of efficacy shown in vaccines, the US could achieve true herd immunity in May, with 70% of the population vaccinated.”
“I really hope and look forward to seeing that the level of negative perception of the vaccine decreases. That is going to be critical to help us. Most people need to be immunized before we can go back to a normal life.”
Dr Anthony Fauci
the US’s top infectious disease expert, told BBC partner CBS News that “the US could reach herd immunity against Covid-19 reasonably quickly next year if enough Americans are vaccinated“.
Restrictions in the US
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that coronavirus cases are rapidly rising. The daily death toll has reached its highest level since May.
Mask Mandates
Several states have imposed new mask mandates and restrictions to try to combat the rise,. In Texas the National Guard has been deployed in the city of El Paso .
Night-time curfew
California has begun a night-time curfew, in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. The new daily curfew, from 22:00 local time on Saturday (06:00 GMT Sunday) until 05:00, will carry on until 21 December. Restaurants are able to offer takeout and delivery outside these hours.
Other places, including New York City, are also operating a night-time curfew. Bars, restaurants and gyms are allowed to open until 22:00, but schools have been closed.
Thanksgiving travelling
The CDC has urged Americans to avoid travelling for the Thanksgiving holiday on 26 November to prevent increased transmissions.
President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden have both said they are against imposing a national lockdown, and favour letting states come up with their own rules.
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Source: BBC News
