Looking back: Our COVID-19 vaccine trial at 1 year

Looking back, I'm grateful to our trial participants and all research volunteers who helped test this vaccine and others. It takes courage to test an unapproved vaccine, and without their willingness to be “the first,” the world would not have this crucial resource against the coronavirus. I acknowledge the amazing scientists at Moderna and the National Institutes of Health who created this new mRNA vaccine and developed it so rapidly that it was awarded Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only 9 months since that first injection.

I want to express gratitude for our hardworking researchers, especially in our clinical research program. They've made a tremendous contribution to public health with their vaccine studies. Many have been working onsite at KPWHRI facilities throughout the pandemic. And our vaccination success is possible because of Kaiser Permanente leadership, including in our Washington region, and extra hours by Kaiser Permanente employees to give vaccines to members while continuing to provide excellent care as usual.

Our COVID-19 work continues. Vaccine trials are ongoing, and we anticipate new studies on viral variants. We're planning to start studying vaccines for youth and children, too. Finally, our vaccine surveillance researchers are now monitoring the vaccines to ensure their safety and effectiveness as people across the country receive them.

I'm hopeful because all 3 of the vaccines now available in the United States appear safe and effective. Recent national guidelines say that after we're fully vaccinated, we can safely gather with others who are vaccinated, even indoors without masks or distancing. For now, please continue to follow guidelines to stay safe and join me in expressing gratitude to all who made our new vaccines possible, especially our clinical trial volunteers.