A safe vaccine will not be available until mid-late 2021

The coronavirus pandemic will end well before July 2022 because a vaccine will be ready and distributed earlier than some might presume. The U.S. FDA, who is responsible for vaccine approval, is considering new guidelines that would push the authorization of a vaccine past election day.^[3] Many, including the President of the United States, are calling this move “political.” Donald Trump has told the American people that he will override the FDA if they release tougher standards and have the vaccine distributed as quickly as possible.^[3] Four vaccines are already in the final stage of clinical trials in the United States. This is a promising number of vaccines and a promising stage to be in.^[3] There is a high likelihood that a successful vaccine may be ready at the end of 2020 or early 2021. Additionally, according to the WHO, 172 countries are now engaged in discussions to participate in COVAX, a global initiative aimed at working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines.^[4] With numerous vaccines in clinical trials, promises from world leaders to expedite the process, and a national effort to develop and distribute a vaccine, the pandemic should end before 2022.