7 things you need to know about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine data

News of positive data coming out of Pfizer's COVID vaccine test took the world by storm. Here are some things you need to know about the vaccine.

News 12 Staff

Nov 10, 2020, 7:48 PM

Updated 1,423 days ago

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Pfizer on Monday released promising data showing that its COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective at preventing the virus.  The world cheered the developments, but things aren't completely cut and dry.  Here are some important facts you need to know about the announcement. 

1. We may be waiting awhile

According to the Associated Press, there may be some doses distributed in small amounts before the end of the year. However, widespread distribution could take some time. This is also early data coming out of Pfizer.

2. The markets were happy

The S&P 500 closed up 1.2% Monday following news of the promising data. Asian markets rose for a second day Tuesday as investors say everyone is anticipating a return to 'normal.'
WATCH: Cheddar's Nora Ali outlines the market reaction:

3. It got political

President Trump initially cheered the news, but then later tweeted that the information was purposely held back until after the election.
Vice President Pence also tweeted that the administration was part of the vaccine.  Pfizer has said they were initially not part of  the White House 'Operation Warp Speed' initiative.

4. Fauci likes it

From the AP - Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert, said the results suggesting 90% effectiveness are “just extraordinary,” adding: “Not very many people expected it would be as high as that.”

5. President-elect Biden is cautiously optimistic

President-elect Biden has welcomed the news of Pfizer's data, but said the new information should not stop people from wearing masks and practicing basic prevention measures to battle the virus.

6. U.S. tops 10 million 

The news about the data probably couldn't have come at a better time. The U.S. topped 10 million cases Monday, the highest in the world. There is concern things could get worse as cold weather approaches and people gather for the holidays.

7. The vaccine doesn't actually contain the coronavirus

From the AP - The “mRNA vaccines” aren’t made with the coronavirus itself, meaning there’s no chance anyone could catch it from the shots. Instead, the vaccine contains a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spiked protein on the surface of the virus.
VIDEO: Dr. Bruce Farber, the chair of infectious disease at North Shore University Hospital and LIJ Medical Center

More Video:

Dr. Mundeep Kainth, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cohen Children's Medical Center, outlines some of the challenges that will arise in administering the vaccine.
"In order to protect someone else, you need to get a vaccine, and that's the whole purpose of herd immunity," says Dr. Mundeep Kainth, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cohen Children's Medical Center.
In response to a question from a Facebook viewer, Dr. Mundeep Kainth, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cohen Children's Medical Center, discusses potential effects of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, gives some insight on COVID-19 vaccine research and children.
Article was written with some text and information from the Associated Press