IEEE Technology and Society Magazine - June 2021 - 38

Opinion
timeline [10, at 693]. There have already been
failed attempts to streamline treatment for COVID19
as seen with hydroxychloroquine [11, p. 730].
Hydroxychloroquine was approved for off-label use
amid reports of its potential to treat COVID-19 infections
[11, p. 731]. Subsequent studies would show
no evidence of efficacy for treatment [11, p. 731].
Just two months later, Operation Warp Speed was
announced promising a vaccine to be made available
for every American in under a year [11, p. 731].
Part of Operation Warp Speed's plan is to mass-produce
several vaccines prior to the conclusions of
the clinical trials in order to streamline distribution
[11, p. 731].
Clinical trials are also being streamlined as recruitment
for phase III's are being conducted simultaneously
to phase I testing [11, p. 732]. The Secretary
of Health and Human Services declared COVID19
a public emergency which allows for reduced
restrictions for clinical trials under the Emergency
Use Authorizations (EUAs) [11, p. 733]. A budget
of ten billion dollars allots for these extreme conditions
such as mass production of several vaccines
and recruitment for phase III before phase I is complete
[11, p. 733]. Having what you need to take it
to the next step before it even begins saves massive
amounts of time when conducting a clinical trial, but
does that mean that corners will be cut for safety?
Officials stress that safety and efficacy will remain at
the forefront of these operations.
Millions of people all over the world have become
infected with COVID-19 and many of those have
perished [12, p. 437]. Our efforts to social distance
and increase hygiene have not been for naught;
" yet it is clear the only way to provide effective
herd immunity is with a safe and effective vaccine "
[12 p. 437]. As multiple waves hit communities, already
struggling healthcare centers brace for impact. It is a
year into the pandemic and I continue to hold onto my
battered N-95 that I have worn for months. It is stored in
a brown paper bag, which at times, we ran out of too.
Healthcare workers are emotionally, physically, and
mentally drained. How long can we expect the helpers
to endure this wrath of not only COVID-19 but of the
brokenness that has become of the community? Once
hailed as heroes, the impact of the frustrations around
us, are as thick in the air as the virus particles. If only
our N-95's and our faith were not worn so thin. While
many were hunkered down in their homes this past
year, medical personnel have worked tirelessly, and
38
now we need your help. If ever there was a time to step
up to save humanity, the time is now. If vaccination
from the virus that causes COVID-19 depends on herd
immunity, it is only with the showing of trust, will the
herd gather. It will take a building of trust and effective
communication through building relationships, much
like the pediatricians are advised to do with their concerned
parents.
eaCh jOurney Is different; no story is the same.
I write not to boast or shame, just to share my journey.
I received the vaccination in my own time,
when I was ready. I did it so that I could hug my
grandma again and see family that I haven't seen
in over a year. I did it so I could travel and leave
my house without fear of this invisible killer. I did
it for my co-workers on the front lines who are
exhausted and traumatized from what they have
seen, yet return day after day. I did it because it is
the only route that I could see that offers hope. I
chose to become a part of herd immunity to protect
those who cannot get vaccinated. Individually, the
choice is ours. Collectively, we can beat this. 
 References
[1] A. M. Stern and H. Markel, " The history of vaccines
and immunization: Familiar patterns, new challenges,''
Health Affairs, vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 611-621, 2005.
[2] S. A. Plotkin, " Vaccines: Past, present and future,''
Nature Med., vol. 11, no. 4, pp. S5-S11, 2005.
[3] K. M. Edwards and J. M. Hackell, " Countering vaccine
hesitancy,'' Pediatrics, vol. 138, no. 3, pp. e1-e14, 2016.
[4] P. J. Hotez, " Public health and economic
consequences of vaccine hesitancy for measles in the
United States,'' JAMA Pediatrics, vol. 171, no. 9,
pp. 887-892, 2017.
[5] R. Magnusson, " Mapping the scope and opportunities
for public health law in liberal democracies,'' J. Law,
Med. Ethics, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 571-587, Winter 2007.
[6] M. A. Rothstein, " Rethinking the meaning of public
health,'' J. Law, Med. Ethics, vol. 30, no. 2,
pp. 144-149, 2002.
[7] Jacobson v. Massachusetts, 197 U.S. 11, (1905).
[8] Bayley's Campground Inc. v. Mills, 463 F. Supp.
3d 22 (D. Me. 2020).
[9] Page v. Cuomo, 478 F. Supp. 3d (N.D.N.Y. 2020)
[10] J. Cohen, " U.S. 'Warp Speed' vaccine effort comes out
of the shadows,'' Science, vol. 368, no. 6492,
pp. 692-693, 2020.
IEEE Technology and Society Magazine
IEEE Technology and Society Magazine - June 2021

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