Letter from Bear River Health department

 

October 7, 2020

I’m often asked, “When will there be a safe and reliable vaccine for COVID-19?” Some of the answers to this question can be confusing depending on where the information is coming from. One of the first places I like to look for answers is the clinic trials themselves.

Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca are among 9 pharmaceutical companies that are testing vaccines in large clinical trials. Two of these companies, Pfizer and Moderna, are in their 3rd stage of trials that include 44,000 and 30,000 individuals respectively. These companies have also opened up their trial data to outside experts in order to validate their research, in an effort to become more transparent for public confidence. Both of these companies expect results that could be ready for approval between November 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021. Depending on approval by the FDA and independent evaluators, limited quantities of vaccine could begin to be distributed somewhere in this time period. Recently, Dr. Fauci also suggested a similar time period for the beginning of vaccine dissemination.

In the meantime, we are seeing a concerning increase in our 7-day average of positive cases, along with an increase in our hospitalizations. It is also clear that much of this increase is community spread in many areas. Our positive cases among 18-25 year olds has decreased from 60% to 43%, while we see increases in our other age categories. Please take seriously the importance of our continued efforts. I know you have heard the message many times, but help us by remaining vigilant in physical distancing, wearing masks, washing your hands, and protecting those who are most vulnerable.

As the weather begins to cool off and as we move indoors, the risk for transmission from one person to another will also increase. It is up to us individually and collectively to recommit ourselves in an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Also, don’t forget to get your flu shots early this year. Your health care provider, local pharmacies, and the Bear River Health Department all have flu vaccine now and it is not too early to get yours!

In high school I participated in track, specifically the 440-yard dash (now called the 400 meter race). One of my most vivid memories was during a state competition when I was so determined to get out ahead and stay ahead during the race. The race went according to plan for about three quarters of the way, then my legs seemed to not want to cooperate with my plan! Mentally, I was not able to overcome the physical requirements to sustain my continued efforts. Before I was able to cross the finish line I watched 1, then 2, then 3 other runners pass me, leaving me in 4th place. It’s not the placement that frustrated me in the end, it was the mental preparation that was lacking. Our race against COVID is not over. Let’s stay mentally tough and focused on the finish line. We can and will overcome the adversity that we face. This will require effort from all of us but we can and will do this!

Lloyd Berentzen, Executive Director – Bear River Health Department