This chapter delves into the unique platforms such as adenoviral vectors and mRNA utilized by Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer for COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing safety signals and unexpected adverse events. It discusses the positive impact of the vaccine rollout in reducing severe disease and saving lives, along with personal experiences and criticisms. The conversation also touches on vaccine mandates, economic externalities, transmission dynamics, and the challenges of eradicating the virus.
The Covid vaccine saved many lives but so many mistakes were made in how public health officials discussed it, implemented it, and assessed its effectiveness. Epidemiologist Vinay Prasad of the University of California, San Francisco talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about what went wrong, the costs of the mistakes that were made, and what we can do better the next time.