COVID-19 vaccine rollout requires a global mindset
Chris Doyle
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The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccines all took about nine months to develop. (AP Photo)
As the world nervously awaits the rollout of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines, everyone should celebrate and honor the incredible scientists who have developed them. In doing so, there are important lessons that should not be ignored. Above all, we have to remember that the vaccines must be for all mankind, not just the wealthiest people from the wealthiest countries.
These vaccines are the fastest ever to be officially approved for use on humans. The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccines all took about nine months to develop, with the last two just awaiting final approval. The fastest before that was a vaccine for the mumps that was produced in four years, while most vaccines take about seven years. All of this required huge and tireless efforts. And, as with all major scientific progress in today’s world, it also necessitated collaborations and partnerships, including across borders.