With the total number of COVID-19 cases rising higher and higher each day, the race to create a viable vaccine nears its end. The Food and Drug Administration met Thursday, Dec. 10, and voted in favor of Adam Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.

Although the vaccines have been through extensive testing and approval, many people are still skeptical. The most common concern is that the vaccine was rushed, coming out in just nine months. The vaccine was indeed developed in record time, but it was still put through every single test necessary and still had to pass every FDA regulation. Although it may seem as though the COVID-19 vaccine was hastily thrown together, the research for messenger RNA reliant vaccines actually started decades ago. Much of the blueprint for the vaccine had already been developed.

For the vaccine to be most effective, everyone who can safely be vaccinated needs to do so. Herd immunity, which is when a large percentage of a population is immune to something, is absolutely crucial in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Getting vaccinated not only protects you from getting sick but can help protect others around you. 

With hundreds of people dying of COVID-19 each day, a vaccine is a huge step toward stopping the spread of this deadly virus. Scientists are confident that the new COVID-19 vaccine will save lives.