Anti-Covid vaccine: caution is needed
The news that the pharmaceutical company Pfizer (in collaboration with Biontech) would have almost ended, with excellent results, the phase 3 of the COVID-19 vaccine tests, has brought euphoria not only in the financial markets but also among Governments, mass media and citizens. We ask for the opinion to Fabio Farneti, Spai Srl CEO.
“I am worried, I am afraid we are repeating the same mistake of May and June when, from national governments to us citizens, we thought the problem had disappeared under the summer sun and we suddenly stopped following the rules and preparing for what the experts predicted would be the second wave (which then happened). I feel an euphoria in the air that is comprehensible but excessive. Some people think it is all over, that we are going out for Christmas shopping, but it is not so. The situation, to tell the truth, is still getting worse and this vaccine will not reach us citizens for a year. Once the experimental phase is over (which is not yet over), we will have to organise the manufacturing process of the drug, then the packaging and distribution. These are phases that have their own timelines. The production and packaging machines, for example, have delivery times between 3 (almost never) and 12 months. Of course, a company like Pfizer will already have machines that are adaptable to the new drug, but in this way it should stop the production of other equally important drugs; can it afford it? Everyone will run, I do not doubt it, and I am the first to hope for a vaccine in the short time, but reality tells me to be cautious and to hope that, at least those who have the decision-making power, do not become easily enthusiastic, because there is still a long way to go”.
