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UAB Health professionals on the Pfizer vaccine: Why we need to stay vigilant

UAB doctors say, people should continue to be cautious and keep up with safe practices. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo addressed the Pfizer vaccine in a press conference...

HUNTSVILLE, Ala — There’s been a lot of talk about a potential coronavirus vaccine. But, health professionals say don’t get too excited just yet.

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There’s been global discussion after Pfizer announced earlier this week, their lead vaccine candidate had a 90% success rate in a trial with over 40,000 participants. This news already has countries all over the world pre-ordering the vaccine, should it be passed. 

UAB doctors say, people should continue to be cautious and keep up with safe practices. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, the Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UAB addressed the vaccine during a virtual press conference Wednesday.

Dr. Marrazzo says, “Even if we find out in say three to four weeks that the Pfizer vaccine continues to look good, they continue to analyze the data-- and most importantly, or equally importantly-- they continue to show there’s safety in the months after getting the vaccine… How many people do you think they’re geared up to immunize by the end of the year? Turns out, it’s only going to be 10 to 15 million people globally. So, that is a tiny drop in the bucket.”

Dr. Marrazzo says we should think of the vaccine as a "hopeful development". But, it shouldn't change anyone's behavior. Continue to protect yourself and others.

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