Even though distribution of the vaccine is underway, a return to normal may not come for months.
News12 reports that it will take until at least May 2021 for everyone to get access to the vaccine, and even then, the vaccine takes about six weeks to be fully processed by the body.
Because of the processing time, doctors are suggesting that our current "normal" will remain the same for months to come.
Dr. Purvi Parikh of NYU Langone Health says, "For many months, we're still going to be living in a similar situation. We're still going to be masking, washing hands, social distancing."
Additionally, the Pfizer vaccine has been proven 95% effective, which means there's a 5% chance you could still contract the coronavirus. "Not only can you still be a carrier, you can actually still get sick, too," Parikh adds.
Furthermore, even if an individual gets the vaccine, it's possible that not everyone around them will have gotten the vaccine. "If people don't take it, we won't reach that end point," Parikh says.
"I know there's hesitancy, but the virus is far worse in my opinion than the actual vaccine or any potential pitfalls," Parikh adds.
Last week, immunization specialist Dr. Paul Offit of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia urged wary Americans to still get the vaccine despite concerns of allergic reactions.
Offit also says that allergic reactions can be treated while still ensuring the benefits of the vaccine.
“It’s actually fairly easily treated with a shot of epinephrine. That will stop that reaction. That’s why we ask everyone who gets a vaccine to do that. This vaccine is no different," he said.
Beginning early next week, the vaccine will be distributed to nursing home residents and staff as well as high risk health care workers.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram