The Covid-19 vaccines are a marvel of science. Here’s how we can make the best use of them: Vaccines that prevent symptomatic Covid infection in roughly 95% of people vaccinated — as the data from clinical trials of the
Pfizer-BioNTech and
Moderna
vaccines suggest — should, over time, help the country and the world
return to a life where we can travel without quarantining; where
sporting events can be played before live audiences, not cardboard
cutouts; and where snowstorms are the only reasons school gets canceled.
But if we’re not careful, we could fail to take full advantage of the
opportunity scientists and governments, pharmaceutical companies and
philanthropic foundations have created for us.
And there’s a possibility that the pandemic off-ramp
doesn’t merge with a straight road back to Normalville, but instead
becomes a meandering country lane with the occasional detour. We may
need to choose the right turns and avoid the potholes as we make our way
to our destination. It will require patience.
