With several vaccines having been authorized for use by different countries, we eagerly await the end of this pandemic and the resumption of our normal lives. 

In the United States, two vaccines have already been authorized and recommended for use: the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has garnered emergency authorization, with India also authorizing a version of this vaccine called Covishield. Most recently, Indonesia has likewise approved the vaccine from China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

Will the COVID-19 vaccines stop the pandemic immediately?

From the time we’ve heard the news of the rollout of these vaccines, we may be wondering, “How quickly would these end the pandemic?”

The World Health Organization (WHO) tells us the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the pandemic depends on several factors. These include the effectiveness of the vaccines, the promptness of the approval, manufacturing, and delivery of the vaccines, and the number of people who get vaccinated. 

Most scientists agree these vaccines will not be 100% effective. As such, WHO takes serious consideration of these vaccines to make sure they are as effective as possible — thereby providing the best roadmap to ending the pandemic. In fact, as of writing, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has received the WHO Emergency Use Listing Procedure/Prequalification authorization. Nonetheless, WHO expects an assessment from several other candidates in the near future and their decision should follow shortly.

Will Filipinos have access to the vaccines?

In an article published by The Philippine Daily Inquirer, there may be two types of COVID-19 vaccines that are about to arrive in the Philippines as early as February. While the specifics were not yet disclosed, this information gathered from the Department of Health is good news to Filipinos. 

Aside from this, through a deal with the Serum Institute of India, 30 million doses of the Covovax COVID-19 vaccine will be made available during the latter part of the year. Meanwhile, local private firms and local government units have also secured a  tripartite agreement with AstraZeneca, and these vaccines may be arriving by the second quarter. 

Furthermore, there are still ongoing discussions between the government and other manufacturers, such as Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac Biotech, Sinopharm, and the Gamaleya Institute, which could also expedite the vaccination program for the country.

What can you expect with the vaccines?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), side effects are normal signs that our body is building protection. These can bring about discomfort but should go away in a few days. Common side effects include pain and swelling where the injection was done, fever, chills, headache, or tiredness. If these side effects do not go away after a few days, make sure to call a physician. 

Scheduling your Second Shot

Both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine will need two shots to get the most protection for your body. For the former, the timing of the second shot is three weeks (or 21 days) after your first shot, while for the latter, it is one month (or 28 days) after your first shot.

Likewise, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine requires two doses, with the second shot given after four weeks. This helps prime the immune system in combatting the coronavirus. 

The CDC recommends getting your second shot even if you experienced side effects after the first shot unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Remember also, that after any vaccination, your body needs time to build proper protection. For these COVID-19 vaccines that require two shots, it may take a week or two after your second shot.

Final Leg: The Distribution

Before their distribution, the vaccines go through a complex logistical process, with stock management and temperature control being primary considerations. 

For some countries, the vaccination program is already underway. Through the efforts from our government units and some parts of the local sector, we will also have access to these COVID-19 vaccines soon. 

While we await the arrival of the vaccine, it is important that we keep safe and continue with the safety protocols we have been used to regular washing and sanitizing our hands, wearing face masks and face shields, and maintaining the required physical distance.