Deploying a Covid vaccine is the most important thing we can do to restore some order and normalcy to our world. But the push for a vaccine faces three key hurdles.
First, will it work? We don’t know yet whether any vaccine candidate is protective, how extensive protection will be, how long protection will last, or whether all people will be protected. Most vaccines never make it to approval; many of today’s promising candidates may fail.
Second, will it be safe? A lot can go wrong with new vaccines. We have limited experience with the new technologies being used. Although most vaccines are strikingly safe, adverse events from vaccination may not be readily apparent, and there can be no shortcuts on safety.
Third, can we get it to people? Vaccine manufacturing isn’t simple, and it will be difficult to distribute it quickly and equitably. But the biggest challenge to getting a Covid-19 vaccine into enough people’s arms won’t be scientific, technical or logistical. It's lack of trust.
We must level with the American public in a way that hasn’t been done during this pandemic. Vaccines won’t provide perfect protection and probably won’t completely end the pandemic, but they are our best hope. We can’t afford to get this wrong. on.wsj.com/33hsM7x
