First coronavirus vaccine could arrive in state early next week

The newly authorized Pfizer vaccine could arrive in our state Monday. The news is being cheered by scientists and vaccine trial volunteers, but there is also vocal opposition to the vaccines.

In fact, about a dozen people opposed to the vaccine were protesting outside the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on 5th Avenue and Mercer Street.

But there are many others who say having a vaccine this quickly will be a much needed lifesaver.

“This is the day you work a lifetime for,” said Dr. Larry Corey, “let alone who would expect it to happen in, you know, 11 months.”

The news has the eminent virus expert almost giddy.

The first FDA-approved vaccine to fight the deadly coronavirus will soon be in this and other states across the country.

The former president of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is praising the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine, which is likely to win approval next week.

“It’s an absolutely extraordinary achievement,” said Corey, “and it’s an absolutely terrific tool. We have something that allows you to feel comfortable. And it’s a game changer, I think, with respect to the issue of medical care and the ability to feel comfortable in social situations.”

But some people don’t believe any of it, not even that there is a pandemic. They protested outside two of the most heavily traveled intersections in Seattle.

And they say they won’t take a vaccine even if offered.

“This thing has been rushed to market and shouldn’t be used on the broad population,” said Victoria Palmer of the Seattle Truth Network. “I think people should trust their instincts and have a choice in this.”

But a Bothell man doesn’t see it that way.

“They’re just stacking them up in parallel rather than serially one right after the other,” said Neal Browning.

He is only the second person in the world to get a coronavirus vaccine as a volunteer with the Moderna trial. He says scientists cut the usual time needed for vaccine trials by running various phases simultaneously.

Based on his experience, he believes the results are safe.

Cox Media Group