What Seniors Can Expect When COVID-19 Vaccines Become Available

CNN reports that seniors in nursing and assisted living communities will be among the first Americans to receive COVID-19 vaccines once they become available, following recommendations by a federal advisory panel. Older adults living at home will face a longer wait. Pfizer's vaccine will be assessed by a 15-member U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel on Dec. 10, while Moderna's vaccine is expected to face evaluation on Dec. 17. FDA staff will publicize their analytical findings at least two days before each meeting. Summary results disclosed in news releases so far indicate that Pfizer's vaccine has an overall efficacy rate of 95 percent and efficacy of 94 percent in those 65 and older. Moncef Slaoui, chief science adviser to Operation Warp Speed, said the Moderna's vaccine's overall efficacy is 94 percent, with 87 percent efficacy in preventing moderate disease in older adults. If the FDA panel approves, the administration will decide within days or weeks whether to authorize the vaccines for emergency use.