Health The search for a vaccine for COVID-19 is by far the most prolific and extensive research ever supported. Billions of dollars are being distributed worldwide and more than 100 highly respected research bodies are hard at work striving to discover an effective and safe vaccine. At the time of writing, several recognized bodies have announced successful initial trials, with further phases of the research being actively pursued. Even with strong financial support, vaccine development takes time. Vaccine development, even after discovery of its initial limited effectiveness, involves three phases. The first is to determine its safety, which can take many months. The second phase involves administering the vaccine to volunteers and then measuring the immune response over time. The third phase tracks the effectiveness of the vaccine when individuals are exposed to the virus. Even when a vaccine is ready for production, its long-term success is never certain. The virus might mutate, or the vaccine may lose its ability to maintain long-term effectiveness. Long-term side-effects may not be evident when development and production are rushed. Distribution and administration throughout the world will be a serious challenge in itself. Nevertheless, hope for a successful vaccine is high and progress is being reported regularly. Meanwhile, we must remind ourselves of the importance of protection from certain diseases for which successful vaccines are already available. The annual vaccine against seasonal influenza is particularly essential for snowbirds who are often travelling to areas where outbreaks are common. Although not always 100% effective depending on the particular strain(s) of virus most commonly present, all of us should avail ourselves of this protection, not only for our benefit, but also for those with whom we come into contact. Even if we miss the free availability of the vaccine before we leave, we should get the vaccine at our winter destination. Other vaccines for adults who have been immunized in childhood include tetanus/ diphtheria booster every 10 years and, for those over 50 years of age, Shingrex, the vaccine to prevent shingles given in two injections six months apart. Pneumovax, the “pneumonia vaccine” recommended for those over the age of 65, protects us from a common formof pneumonia. Ask your family doctor about your immunization status. Until reminded, it’s a thing which doctors often forget to discuss with their patients. Because of the extensive trial periods in the development stages, all vaccines that are licensed have been thoroughly researched and are not associated withmajor side-effects. The fewwho continue to charge that vaccines cause a variety of permanent damage to certain individuals have proven to be wrong. Although minor side-effects such as fever and localized soreness may occur temporarily in some individuals, most suffer no side-effects at all. For those who travel to parts of the world where the risk of contracting certain diseases exists, there are many vaccines used to protect them from conditions such as yellow fever, hepatitis, cholera, meningococcus, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis. Specific country requirements can be found on the WHO International Travel and Health website and Health Canada’s website.Those planning such trips should seek medical advice from a travel health clinic or public health agency long before travelling. Vaccines in modern times are protecting us frommany different infections that, in years past, have cost millions of lives. The present COVID-19 pandemic is disastrous for many but there is great expectation that, with the extensive resources focused on developing cures and an effective vaccine(s), the virus will be contained. 50 | www.snowbirds.org
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