LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Monday marked a major breakthrough in the fight against the pandemic. Drug manufacturer, Pfizer, said early data signals its COVID-19 vaccine currently under trial is 90% effective.

What You Need To Know

  • Pfizer announces effective COVID-19 vaccine

  • UofL doctor participates in Pfizer vaccine trial

  • It is a 2 injection trial. He had minor arm soreness.

  • Next step will be emergency use authorization

“That would put it in the range of vaccines like measles vaccine, which is extremely effective,” Dr. Jon Klein, Vice Dean of Research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine said.

He was keeping a close eye on updates regarding this vaccine both for his profession, but also because of his personal involvement. Klein is one of around 44,000 people across the world participating in the trial. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine that is under trial is a two injection vaccine. Klein just got the second dose of the vaccine a few weeks ago

“After the first injection, I just had a sore arm. After the second injection, I felt a little achy and feverish for six hours. I laid down and went to sleep and when I woke up, I really didn’t have any symptoms. For me at least, and I am above the age of 65, the side-effects were very minimal and very tolerable,” Klein said.

He emphasized that he cannot speak on behalf of other participants, just about his own experience. Pfizer has said that early data indicates side-effects have been minimal. This information came from a press release from the drug manufacturer Monday. Klein notes that the release did not include the actual data or peer review about the findings. More safety and efficacy testing are still going on.

This does not mean a vaccine release is imminent, but it does indicate the company is on track to request Emergency Use Authorization with the Food and Drug Administration later this month. Pfizer's CEO, Albert Bourla, said, with cases on the rise, this news could not have come at a better time.

“I think likely based on impact, it would be the greatest medical advancement in the last 100 years if you think about it. It is extraordinary that it is coming at the time that the US needs it most," Bourla said.

Klein said, while this is promising, a vaccine would not make the pandemic go away overnight.

“This is the way we go back to work. This is the way our kids go back to school. This is the way the economy recovers in the long-run. I do have to say, in the short run, the vaccine is not going to change much of anything in the next twelve weeks, which most authorities expect to be some of the worst of the pandemic,” Klein said.

In the meantime, Klein said it is important for Kentuckians to stay vigilant by social distancing and wearing masks.

As for the next steps, Klein said Pfizer will likely request EUA from the FDA later this month. If approved, Pfizer said it is prepared to produce 50 million doses globally this year. If the vaccine is approved, Klein said the White House Coronavirus Task Force would head up distribution efforts. The force has indicated that health care workers, first responders, and nursing home patients would be among the first to receive the vaccine.

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