COVID-19 vaccine could be just weeks away

A vaccine to fight coronavirus is what many have been hoping and waiting for the past few months. But doctors say speed could mean the drug is ineffective.

“I think it’s good that we are getting the vaccine,” said Allan Pury of Naples.

Not only could it save lives but it will make the overall population feel safer going back out into the world.

“Help cure it, help the economy, help people get out and go out more going back to work and school,” Pury added.

But not everyone is excited that the vaccine is being fast-tracked.

“I don’t believe we need it I think this is all fabricated I understand people are suffering and I get it, but people suffer every day from the flu and shingles and whatever else is out there,” said Barbara Hyer, another Naples resident.

Now, the CDC is telling public health officials in states across America to be ready to distribute millions of new coronavirus vaccines. Doctors wonder what the risks to putting out the vaccine so quickly could be and if they’re worth the benefits.

“The more time you have and the more people you have in trial gives you the chance to observe any rare side effects so that would be a concern,” said Dr. Bindu Mayi with NOVA Southeastern University.

Dr. Mayi understands that scientists are trying to create the vaccine quickly to save lives but she also wants people to know whether or not it’s safe.

“My fear is that if we fast track the process, we lose a certain population who are on the fence, to begin with,” she said.

Nacy Deninno is one of the people Mayi wouldn’t want to lose.

“I would wait till other people got it to see if it worked,” Deninno said.

Pury agrees that some may be uncomfortable. “Some people might be nervous,” he said.

But all in all, Dr. Mayi just wants to make sure that safety is proven.

“I hope this is what will be the case is that we can see the science behind it the safety record the effectiveness record before they fast track it to mass administration,” she said.

The letter from the CDC says states should be ready to distribute by late October.

There are three vaccines currently in phase three trials in the United States.