A vaccine rollout is the systematic distribution and administration of vaccines, ensuring widespread access and vaccination coverage to protect communities against diseases. It can also involve communication, education and training in response to a disease outbreak. Vaccines save more lives than any other medical invention in history and have transformed our world. [1]
Vaccines are developed in a process called clinical trials, where scientists test potential vaccines on volunteers who either get the actual vaccine or a placebo. The results of these trials are analyzed and used to guide decisions about how the vaccine will be manufactured on a large scale. [2] During the COVID-19 pandemic, these processes were accelerated to ensure timely availability of vaccines to the public. The speed of the development and deployment of vaccines, combined with a high level of public demand and strong participation in mass vaccinations, led to the most successful vaccine rollout in the United States’ history.
Even with the success of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, challenges remain. Many people may have questions about vaccine safety or effectiveness, especially when new strains emerge and mutate. HSC is working across the state to reassure people that the updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, which more closely match the coronavirus strains currently circulating, are safe and effective. These efforts, along with the continued use of masks and practicing safe social distancing, will help limit severe disease and prevent transmission. In addition, the work of CDC and its partners to develop new vaccines for future threats is promising.