COVID is a widespread health concern. Despite social distancing and mask efforts the virus continues to spread. These efforts have helped to reduce the spread when adhered to, however, they can also cause immune systems to weaken due to no longer being exposed to other germs to build immunity. Scientists have come out with a vaccine and the long-term effects of it are unknown.

Hamilton Bennett the senior director of vaccine access and partnerships at Moderna, a small, biotech company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts is the lead scientist in the efforts to discover the Moderna COVID vaccine. She has worked hard in her discovery and to improve it to ensure that it is safe.  Although long-term effects are not known, Bennet is very confident in the vaccine effort. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to get the vaccine.

According to a scientist-led website, Biospace.com, The vaccine has proved to have some positive effects and prevent the virus in some people. “To date, the research into the vaccines indicates it prevents symptomatic COVID-19 and appears to prevent severe disease.” Even with the confidence of some of the United States lead scientists, there are still major concerns and questions about future effects. “It is not clear yet if it can prevent infections from asymptomatic vaccinated people. Nor is it yet known how long the vaccine’s effects last. It may require a yearly booster.”

Some of the possible negative effects of the vaccine  Matthew, a 45-year-old nurse from San Diego received the vaccine and later tested positive for COVID. However, ABC News reporter Ramer states, “We know from the vaccine clinical trials that it’s going to take about 10 to 14 days for you to start to develop protection from the vaccine,”

The CDC has reports of more than fourteen anaphylaxis cases immediately following the injection. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is life-threatening and could result in death. Many countries including Germany have reported death in the elderly after the vaccine. At least 23 people have died in Germany following the vaccine and the number is still growing. Although proven effective in young healthy people allergic reactions are still possible, and the fatality rate in the elderly is a major concern. Moderna is a medical breakthrough, however can pose a huge threat to the health of the elderly.