Metro Doctors Say Vaccine Could Be Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer is asking the Food and Drug Administration to allow emergency use of its vaccine. The company says it is 95% effective.

"Very very happy that Pfizer will be applying for emergency use authorization,” said Dr. Dale Braztler, University of Oklahoma Chief COIVD Officer.

Now that Pfizer has filed and asked the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization, metro doctors are hoping this is the light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic.

"The FDA will be looking at two principal things. Number one that their vaccine works -- does it actually prevent infections and second does it appear to be safe, were there any noted side effects that would create concerns about safety,” said Bratzler.

Governor Stitt met with Vice President Mike Pence earlier this week. The vice president reassured the governor help is on the way to Oklahomans.

"He feels like we will have 60 to 70 million vaccines distributed by the end of this year,” said Governor Stitt. “Moderna has 20 million Pfizer has 50 million."

As the sprint for scientists with the FDA begins, Dr. Bratzler is confident in a short amount of time there will be more vaccines available.

"There are multiple other vaccines in clinical trials, and I think it is likely in six months to a year we will have a host of different vaccine options for COVID-19,” said Dr. Bratzler.