Covid-19 vaccines: have we seen the last one?

You recently heard President Joe Biden claim that there will be enough supply to vaccinate the “ADULT” population by the end of May. Johnson & Johnson is currently the only vaccine approved for ages 16 and older. Both Moderna and Pfizer are 18 years of age or older. So what about those under 16? Of the 358 million in the US, 16 and under understood about 80 million more and that’s in the US alone. Phase 3 tests for those under 16 will not be completed until the end of the fourth quarter. 2021. This leaves plenty of room for other smaller, less traditional companies like Tonix and Occugen to market their products.

This takes into consideration only the population under 16 in the US Not to mention the ongoing question. Will this be a “flu shot” scenario? It very well could be. With all three current providers working with their own variety of “booster” injections. If they didn’t think it was necessary, why are they working on it? Why are other companies continuing to develop their vaccines if they didn’t believe it too? It is clearly evident that globally and in the US there is room for other vaccine candidates

The world as a whole will use many more of the 3 vaccines we see in the US China has its own vaccine as does Russia. Many variations from many countries. In addition, there are many countries that seek sufficient security to vaccinate their own population. Lots of competition in a less crowded market. One more reason for other companies to keep bringing their vaccine to market.

Look at the way this is all trending. With all of this in mind, it would be difficult to imagine an end for Covid-19 any time soon. Only 3.5 doses per 100 people have been reported worldwide. In some countries not a single dose has been issued. Countries like Japan, Australia, Iran, Egypt, Thailand and many others show less than 1% of vaccinated.

The United States had 79.26 million visitors from foreign countries last year alone. With travel restrictions easing as vaccines are rolled out, we are likely to see a boost for tourism. What will be the impact? How do we protect those under 16 when society returns to normal?

One thing is for sure, don’t let your guard down yet, this Covid thing isn’t over.