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All opinions aside, are COVID-19 vaccines what we need right now?

The faster we get this vaccine, the faster we will know if it is an effective mode of treatment for those who need it most.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — We could start seeing people receive a COVID vaccine very soon. 

But who will be first in line? There are guidelines and recommendations on who should get the vaccine first. 

"First in line will be health care workers, or first in line (will be) those who are exposed to positive COVID cases on a daily basis," said Dr. Hasfa Siddiqui, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Huntsville Hospital. 

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Second in line will be those with underlying conditions or those at a higher risk of complications like those with heart or lung conditions as well as those with diabetes or cancer. 

The rate at which this vaccine is being made and approved is alarming to some. On the other hand, it is alarming to others that there is nothing able to stop this virus from affecting people. 

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"It's hard to say whether it's a good thing or bad thing. I would say that it's what we need right now, with (an) ongoing pandemic and nothing helping," said Dr. Siddiqui.

While some may think that the vaccine is being pushed out too quickly, others may think it is taking too long.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.  

The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public. 

Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. 

Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC. 

If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine. 

Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health. 

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