The coronavirus pandemic has gone through multiple ups and downs since its beginning. With cases continuing to rise as of late, vaccines have become more important than ever. The vaccines offer hope to return to life as it was before the pandemic began. However, there are many people that are still quite hesitant about taking the vaccines. Some people are still worried about the potential side-effects of them. Nonetheless, the vaccines are being advocated and embraced by the government, scientists, health officials, and the majority of the public. There have been many recent developments in the push to vaccinate the country.
President Joe Biden’s plan to vaccinate federal employees
President Joe Biden has recently used his powers as president to mandate that all federal employees be vaccinated. It also impacts healthcare workers and facilities funded by Medicaid and Medicare. The president is also setting his sights on private companies as well. He would like to develop a plan to help get private companies and their employees vaccinated and tested regularly. There has been some opposition to his recent plans and executive orders. It is being called unfair and unconstitutional by members of the Republican party. It is unlikely that they are unconstitutional and will be upheld in court if any challenges are presented.
Coronavirus vaccine booster shots
Moderna has released new information that was obtained from a research trial that they conducted on their coronavirus vaccine. The research shows that the Moderna vaccine begins to wane over time and becomes less effective at preventing coronavirus infection in people. The company has recently sought approval from the FDA to be allowed to give a third dose. The third dose or booster shot will help strengthen the protection against being infected with the coronavirus. Moderna is not the only company seeking approval for a third dose, Pfizer has sought approval recently as well.
Immigration
The coronavirus pandemic has affected people all over the world. As the United States tries to vaccinate its citizens, it is also asking immigrants coming to the country to be vaccinated as well. Immigrants who are seeking to come to the country are being required to show proof of vaccination. Immigrants are also required to get other important vaccines as well, so this is not an unprecedented demand. There are also ways for people to apply for an exemption due to medical or religious reasons.
Trials and delays
There are a wide array of different companies currently offering coronavirus vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer. Another company that is hoping to release a vaccine to the general public is Novavax. The company has been conducting vaccine trials in hopes to get approval from the FDA. Their application to the FDA to be authorized for use in the United States has been delayed recently. This has made some participants in the Novavax trial unsure as to how to proceed. They are wondering if they should get a vaccine from another company that has already been approved. The current vaccines that have been approved by the FDA in the US and approved by other foreign countries are beginning to look like an alternative for some Novavax trial participants. However, it is not recommended to mix the Novavax vaccine with other vaccines. It has created an unfortunate dilemma. Any news regarding the Novavax approval is expected in October at the earliest, but there is no guaranteed timeline or date.
Vaccine requirements in schools
Vaccine mandates for schools are being pushed for as of late. Many colleges have already instituted vaccine requirements and mandates. The Los Angeles school district is hoping to require vaccines for students who are 12 or older. The mandate will be put to a vote and it is expected that it will pass. The mandate applies to students who are partaking in in-person learning and in-person extracirruclar activities. There are exemptions in place for those with medical conditions or religious beliefs. Those participating in distance learning would also not be required to get vaccinated.
The Los Angeles school district is hoping to make their schools and communities safer by instituting the new vaccination policy. The board of education and teachers union have been strongly behind the measure. The measure may face some legal challenges even though it is expected to pass the vote by the board of education. The vaccine mandate could prompt other school districts around the country to adopt similar policies as well. New York City has instituted vaccine requirements for its educators in the Department of Education. The requirements apply to public educators employed by the city.
Hope for the future
Even though the coronavirus has been devastating for countless people, there is still hope for the future. Vaccines can help alleviate and prevent a large amount of suffering. There is still a long way to go for the country, but significant progress has been made because of the vaccines.