This year, COVID-19 has proven to be a relentless foe, and despite our best mitigation efforts, the vaccine has been the indicator we have all been waiting on to signal a true turn in the tide of this terrible virus.

The pandemic has undoubtably rocked our country, putting a strain on our physical, mental, and financial health.

As time has passed, it has been easy to focus on the negative, but a recent achievement in the field of science and medicine has emerged as a light at the end of the tunnel.

In early December, we reached a truly incredible milestone in the fight against Coronavirus. The first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer was administered, and a second vaccine from Moderna was quickly granted emergency authorization from the FDA and began distribution as well.

The timeline of vaccine development, made possible by Operation Warp Speed, is truly a modern medical marvel.

In the 1930s, Dr. Jonas Salk began work on a Polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh. It wasn’t until 1953 that the vaccine was successfully tested.

Operation Warp Speed has helped shrink the vaccine timeline and knock down barriers and delays. To develop a safe, effective vaccine in under a year is a testament to the incredible scientific progress we have seen over the years, and our refusal to surrender to this terrible virus.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to all the dedicated scientists, doctors, medical professionals, and others who have helped make history.

The most recent Coronavirus relief package included $30 billion for vaccination development and deployment, and as a former health care provider, I encourage everyone to secure a vaccination as they continue to be made available.

We will defeat this virus. We will restore our way of life, rebuild our economy, and renew the American dream.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s January 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.