BREAKING—Updated results from Pfizer said it’s #COVID19 vaccine is 95% effective (vs 90% in previous early results) and had no serious side effects. 94% effective in older adults. Of 170 cases, 162 in placebo. Of 10 severe, 9 in placebo. This is HUGE!! https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/18/health/pfizer-covid-vaccine.html?referringSource=articleShare

2) If the F.D.A. authorizes the two-dose vaccine, Pfizer has said that it could have up to 50 million doses available by the end of the year, and up to 1.3 billion by the end of next year.

3) However, only about half of its supply will go to the United States this year, or enough for about 12.5 million people — a sliver of the American population of 330 million

4) “It’s pretty amazing,” said @VirusesImmunity. She said the results in age >65 were the most promising. “We know from influenza vaccine that it’s very difficult to achieve protection in this age group with vaccines,” she said, so 94 percent efficacy “is really remarkable.”

5) “The vaccine must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit, colder than any other vaccine in development. Pfizer will ship the vaccine in special boxes of 1,000 to 5,000 doses that are stuffed with dry ice and equipped with GPS-enabled sensors.

6) “Pfizer’s vaccine can be stored in conventional freezers for up to five days, or in the special coolers for up to 15 days, as long dry ice is replenished and the boxes are not opened more than twice a day.

7) “Moderna’s vaccine must also be stored in a freezer long-term, but at minus 4 degrees F. The company said on Monday that its vaccine could be stored in the freezer for up to 30 days, not seven as previously thought, which could make it easier to store than the Pfizer vaccine.”

8) Also, good podcast interview with @florian_krammer, another vaccinologist I respect, on the 2 vaccines, on @OpenMindTV hosted by @heffnera. https://twitter.com/openmindtv/status/1329055374243225600