COVID-19 vaccination: an attempt to control the pandemic

Abstract

Background: Since the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 was discovered in December 2019, there have been tireless efforts by the medical and scientific community to understand its pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention.

Discussion: In the last several months, several therapeutic treatments, including a corticosteroid, antiviral drugs, convalescent plasma, and several others, have been tried in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 with varying results. Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines recently received approval for Emergency Use Authorization. Although COVID-19 vaccine is the first hurdle in an attempt to control the pandemic, the following challenges still remain: adequate vaccine doses, issues with mass distribution, global access, proper storage, and sufficient vaccine compliance.

Summary: Vaccination, in addition to social distancing and wearing facemasks, will likely provide the best way to control the COVID pandemic. Healthcare professionals and government officials will need to address any concern or hesitancy the community has with the COVID vaccine to promote compliance.

Keywords: coronavirus therapeutics, herd immunity, coronavirus vaccine, vaccine targets, clinical trials