Technological advances in vaccine research over the last 15-20 years have led to a successful vaccine for the coronavirus.
After the SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in the early 2000's, and MERS outbreak in 2012, many health companies had vaccines that already went through phase one and two of vaccine trials.
"They were starting on third base," said Dr. Dan Miller, infectious disease researcher at Virginia Commonwealth University. "They could pivot that vaccine technology to the new virus."
That vaccine that is now readily available to almost every adult in Pennsylvania, and is considered more effective than the typical flu vaccine.
"The seasonal flu vaccine, it varies year-to-year, but it may only have 45-50% efficacy. Where these vaccines, Johnson and Johnson I think is 75% and Pfizer/Moderna are 97-98% effective."
Miller explains.
Listen to the interview below to learn more.