A total of 313 people – 268 American workers plus 17 Americans and 28 Marshallese expected to be released from quarantine this week – have been repatriated to the RMI through Kwajalein as of November 27, 2020. While it has proved possible to bring people into the Marshall Islands and contain COVID-cases to the border, everyone awaits news of effective and widely distributed vaccines.
On November 20, Pfizer applied for emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as regulators in Europe and the United Kingdom. The vaccine entails 2 shots given 3 weeks apart. People should expect to feel a little tired or sick after receiving the vaccine, but early results from Phase 3 clinical trials indicate that it is 95% effective. Pfizer’s vaccine requires ultracool storage at -94 degrees Fahrenheit. They have developed a supercool storage unit that uses dry ice. Other vaccines in development can be stored in normal refrigerator temperatures and for longer periods (AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored for up to 6 months) of time making equitable and worldwide distribution possible.
Pfizer expects to produce 50 million doses by the end of 2020 and 1.3 billions doses in 2021. 6.4 million doses are scheduled as part of the first distribution push for mid-December, allocated to major hospitals in all 50 states and 8 territories as well as 6 major metropolitan areas. Vaccines will be given to healthcare workers first and then potentially other vulnerable groups like nursing home residents, factory workers and other essential workers. Hospital workers in Iowa City confirm plans to vaccinate staff working at the University of Iowa Hospital starting December 15 with the vaccine developed by Pfizer. Staff estimate that vaccines for vulnerable groups will be available in February or March.
100 some COVID-19 vaccines are in development or clinical trials as it will take more than just one or two vaccines to effectively curb the worldwide pandemic. Phase 3 clinical trials are the last step before applying for authorization to distribute the vaccine. During Phase 3, the vaccine is given to a large number of people representing all demographics, including people with high risk conditions, people over 65, and from communities of color. By testing participants who receive the vaccine compared to participants who receive a placebo, scientists determine how effective the vaccine is at preventing infection or serious infection. For example, of 95 participants in a Phase 3 clinical trial for the Moderna vaccine, there were 0 severe cases and 5 mild cases of infection in participants who were vaccinated compared to 11 participants who had received placebos who developed severe infections. Over 30,000 people participated in Moderna clinical trials. On November 16, Moderna reported 94.5% effeciency from their Phase 3 clinical trials.