Written by Maryan Shaker
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) was initially reported in Wuhan, China in late 2019. This virus ultimately caused the pandemic in which we live today. With over 108 million cases worldwide and over 2 million deaths, it is clear that a vaccine was in urgent need. With the entire world working towards a vaccine, there are currently more than 180 vaccines at various stages of development.
The Moderna vaccine is a vaccine that is said to be 94.1% effective at preventing the COVID-19 illness, beginning two weeks after receiving two doses - in those who have had no evidence of being previously infected. This vaccine has been effective amongst a diverse set of people of various age, sex, race, ethnicity, and those with underlying medical conditions. The vaccine instructs cells to make a protein that triggers an immune response. This trigger then allows the body to develop antibodies to help fight the infection if the virus does enter the body in the future. Although the vaccine has common side effects such as chills, feeling tired or feverish, there are more serious but rare side effects such as an allergic reaction. It is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor before receiving any vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine is another vaccine that is being administered alongside Moderna. The Pfizer vaccine is supposedly 95% effective in preventing the virus beginning one week after the second dose. This vaccine works similarly to the Moderna vaccine as it develops a protein that develops antibodies to help fight the virus if it enters the body. This vaccine is approved for people who are aged 16 years and older, as the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine on younger individuals is yet to be tested. The side effects are similar to the Moderna vaccine and include chills, feeling tired or feverish, along with a rare side effect of an allergic reaction.
So what does this mean for post-secondary students? Although the vaccines are being administered, it is important to acknowledge the number of active cases within Ontario. As of February 13th, Ontario has 1300 new cases. Of the population of Ontario, only 2% have received the first dose of the vaccine. This means out of a population of 14.57 million people, about 290,000 people have received their first dose. As of February 13th, the entire province is still under a state of emergency and a stay-at-home order. Most post-secondary institutions remain closed while online course delivery is still ongoing.
Although vaccines are slowly being administered and cases are slowly declining, most post-secondary schools remain closed to prevent the spread of the virus. Hopefully, as more people get vaccinated and cases are less apparent, schools will begin to open to the public allowing students to interact and return to a normal learning environment.
Works Cited
“All Ontario: Case Numbers and Spread.” COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ontario, 2012, covid-19.ontario.ca/data. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
CDC. “Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Feb. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
“Coronavirus Death Toll and Trends - Worldometer.” Worldometers.info, 2021, www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-death-toll/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
“COVID-19 Guidance: Post-Secondary Schools.” City of Toronto, City of Toronto, 30 Sept. 2020, www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-reopening-recovery-rebuild/covid-19-reopening-guidelines-for-businesses-organizations/covid-19-guidance-post-secondary-schools/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
Health Canada. “Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Should Know - Canada.ca.” Canada.ca, 2020, www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/moderna.html#a2. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
---. “Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Should Know - Canada.ca.” Canada.ca, 2020, www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/pfizer-biontech.html. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
Krammer, Florian. “SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Development.” Nature, vol. 586, no. 7830, 23 Sept. 2020, pp. 516–527, www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2798-3, 10.1038/s41586-020-2798-3. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
many. “Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker: How Many People in Canada Have Received Shots?” Coronavirus, 29 Dec. 2020, www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker-how-many-people-in-canada-have-received-shots-1.5247509 Accessed 13 Feb. 2021.
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