Shouldn’t we know this information or was this so rushed that it’s like wait and see? In reading up on this topic ( NEVER thought I’d be researching any of this LOL) apparently vaccines are developed over like a 5 year + time with testing and trials over and over. But obviously the need outweighed the time for this vaccine so we will find out stuff in the months and years ahead as time passes. Do I have that part right?
Right. Accelerated timeline in setting of global pandemic. Note that Accelerated Timeline doesn't equal compromise in research method integrity. It just means that "special population" data (that takes longer to recruit study subjects for) lags behind. As well as "long-term efficacy and safety" data. Thankfully, we have decades of research to show that it's exceptionally rare to see directly-attributable adverse effects from vaccines that don't happen in the immediate weeks to months post-vaccination.
Any significant protective benefits (even if only temporary) can play a pivotal role in tamping out the pandemic spread. Which is why the FDA accepted ~3-4 month efficacy and safety data in determining whether to issue the Emergency Use Authorization, with representation of important "very common" special populations (Age >65, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, etc.).
There's nothing in the realm of efficacy or safety that's emerged in the U.S. / Worldwide real-life safety & efficacy data to suggest that the decision was a bad one. Safety data is as good/better than just about all previous vaccines brought to market. Efficacy to prevent severe disease and to prevent transmission is wayyyy better than what we could have hoped.
Get them shots ASAP, Boneyarders!
