HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to impact everyone's daily life.
"It doesn't seem to go away, does it? It's just the gift that keeps on giving in terms of this pandemic. If we don't deal with it, it's going to deal with us," said University of Alabama at Birmingham Infectious Disease Expert Dr. David Kimberlin.
Kimberlin says that when it comes to the pandemic, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
"So we have to be ready, we have to be mindful, we have to be cognizant of where we are," said Kimberlin.
On Monday, Pfizer said its vaccine was safe for kids ages 5 to 11. Kimberlin says this is a step in the right direction.
"They anticipate that we may have an authorization before Halloween," said Kimberlin.
He says to trust scientists, not politicians when it comes to vaccine information.
"Scientists have to lead this. This is not a politician lead type of a process. This is a data-driven, science-driven process. It has been the entire way through," said Kimberlin.
Moderna is similarly seeking FDA approval for kids ages 5 to 11.
"As far as I know, Moderna is set for, you know, an October kind of filing with the food and drink administration for possible authorization of their 5 to 11-year-old age group," said Kimberlin.
Medical professionals are hoping that kids will be able to get the vaccine by the time influenza season is in full swing.