Pfizer and Moderna Could Mark the Start of a New Era in Vaccines

Last week, drug maker Pfizer and Biotech partner Biontech announced that their Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective in a clinical trial, sparking hope that an end to the pandemic may soon be achievable. More good news came this week, with an announcement from Massachusetts-based biotech form Moderna that its vaccine was 94.5% effective. Not to be outdone, Pfizer released more data on Wednesday, showing 96% efficacy. Stocks of thr companies soared on the news. Anthony Fauci, MD, director pf the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, called the results very impressive and said 20 million Americans could be vaccinated against the coronavirus by the end of December or beginning of January. If the Food and Drug Administration authorised their use, they would be thr first vaccines of their kind on the market.