Hopes rise as second virus vaccine shows overwhelming success in U.S. tests; But who gets it first?
More promising developments on the COVID-19 vaccine front have emerged as Moderna says its shot provides strong protection against the coronavirus, another badly needed dose of hope as the pandemic enters a globally debilitating phase.
The announcement came a week after Pfizer revealed its own vaccine to be similarly effective and as the virus surges in the U.S. and around the world, Lauran Neergaard reports.
Related: COVID-19 vaccine testing has begun in Vietnam
Moderna said its vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective, according to preliminary data from an ongoing study. Both Moderna and Pfizer are on track to seek permission for emergency use in the U.S. within weeks.
The results are “truly striking,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious-diseases expert. “The vaccines that we’re talking about, and vaccines to come, are really the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Still, initial supplies will be limited and rationed. And who is first in line isn’t yet decided and will be another contentious bridge to cross. The pandemic has killed more than 1.3 million people worldwide, with the U.S. expected to surpass 250,000 deaths this week, according to the AP.
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Source: Vietnam Insider