Here’s the good news of the day. Life in Ireland and much of the world could return to normal by spring 2021, according to the Irish scientist leading the coronavirus vaccine research at Oxford University.
Named Adrian Hill, this globally renowned scientist has been at the forefront of the work carried out by Oxford’s Jenner Institute in collaboration with AstraZeneca to fight Covid-19. He is also well known for significant discoveries related to the Ebola virus and Malaria.
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Last week, researchers at Oxford University released preliminary data showing that the vaccine they are developing is 90% effective.
The research results indicate it is particularly effective among older age groups, who are among the most vulnerable to severe forms of coronavirus.
Given the urgency of this global pandemic and the initial success of the Oxford vaccine, over 3 billion doses have already been pre-ordered worldwide. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are also expected to become available soon, pending regulatory approval, which will help ensure broader coverage for at-risk populations.
Ireland, meanwhile, has already reserved one million vaccine doses. Deliveries are expected as early as January 2021, allowing healthcare workers and vulnerable individuals to be vaccinated.
For Professor Adrian Hill, originally from Ranelagh in south Dublin, one thing is certain: life could return to normal during spring 2021.
He told Miriam O’Callaghan of RTÉ Radio 1:
“The truth is this is a very safe vaccine that can be produced at a scale no other vaccine has attempted, and it is impressively effective.
We are therefore eager to make it available as soon as possible.
We are thinking of a return to normal, hopefully, by late spring or early summer.
I don’t think we will vaccinate the entire population. People should be free to decide whether or not to get vaccinated. But I think we will all be a little surprised by how many people want to get vaccinated once this vaccine is widely available.”
