2020 has been a year like no other; it is probably the longest year of our adult life. Just months ago, the whole world was in lockdown, and Nigeria was no exception. The popular and busy street in Lagos became empaty, and for once, we saw how a Lagos without traffic is.
Then we started hearing phrases like “social distancing” and “self-isolation”, and they slowly became part of our everyday life. Now, with news of a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, many Nigerians are asking about its safety, and many more are even wondering why it was developed so quickly and if the development and clinical trials were rushed.
These are valid concerns. After all, we’re used to hearing that vaccines take years, sometimes decades, to develop. So, let’s break it down and understand why the COVID-19 vaccines were not rushed but built on decades of research and unprecedented global collaboration.
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Vaccine Research Didn’t Start from Scratch
One of the biggest misconceptions is that scientists created the COVID-19 vaccine overnight. But, in reality, coronavirus research has been ongoing for years. Scientists have already studied two similar viruses: SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Because COVID-19 is part of the coronavirus family, researchers weren’t starting from zero. They had a head start.
mRNA Technology: A Game-Changer
Traditional vaccines take years to develop because they rely on growing viruses in labs and then weakening them for use. The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna use mRNA technology, which has been in development for over 20 years. Instead of using live viruses, mRNA vaccines teach the body how to fight the virus using genetic instructions. This method speeds up the process without compromising your safety.
Global Funding & Collaboration Sped Up Trials
Vaccine development is usually slow because researchers have to secure proper funding, wait for approvals, and conduct trials in phases. But the case is different with COVID-19, a global pandemic; governments, private companies, and organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) invested billions of dollars upfront, and this allowed scientists to conduct multiple trials at the same time without waiting for funding.
Large-Scale Human Trials Were Conducted
Another reason people think the vaccine was rushed is because they assume it wasn’t tested properly. The truth? COVID-19 vaccines went through rigorous clinical trials involving tens of thousands of volunteers. These trials followed the same safety protocols as any other vaccine, but just in a shorter time frame because there were so many willing participants.
Emergency Use Authorization Doesn’t Mean Unsafe
The term “Emergency Use Authorization” (EUA) might sound like a shortcut, but it doesn’t mean skipping safety steps. It simply means that once the vaccine met strict safety and efficacy standards, it was approved for use while still being monitored closely. Regulators like NAFDAC (in Nigeria), the FDA (in the U.S.), and the EMA (in Europe) have strict guidelines to ensure vaccines are safe before they are distributed.
Should You Take the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Misinformation spreads fast, but the facts remain the same: The COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly because of scientific advancements, global funding, and ongoing coronavirus research—not because of rushed or unsafe practices.
As Nigeria gradually reopens and we move forward, it’s important to base our decisions on science and not fear. The vaccine is a crucial step towards protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
What are your thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccine? Let’s talk in the comments!
