It’s been almost a year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, and the world is still figuring out how to control it. However, there is one unanimous answer among world leaders—a vaccine.

A potential coronavirus vaccine has been researched since January 2020. However, the CDC predicted that it wouldn’t be ready for another 18 months. Due to clinical trials, that date might be sooner rather than later.

As of December, the fourth phase of the trials began. In the United States, over 215 clinical research sites are having these trials. Having many different individuals in these trails is creating a more safe and substantial vaccine.

“To have just one candidate vaccine in Phase 3 trials less than a year after a virus was first reported would be a remarkable accomplishment; to have four candidates at that stage is extraordinary,” the United States Department of Health and Services Secretary, Alex Aza, said

The trials began at record breaking speed due to the information already available. Both SARS and MERS are respiratory diseases caused by coronavirus—due to these two diseases, scientists have used the research from their vaccines to help create a vaccine for COVID-19 quickly and effectively.

Many vaccines are being developed and created right now, and it’s a race against time. As of now the vaccines ready first will be only used for emergencies by the FDA. There should soon be a limited number ready in December for those who need it most.

Right now it seems that children and teens with no pre-existing conditions will be among the last ones to receive the vaccine. Not only do they normally have the lowest risk, but clinical trials have not begun on adolescents. The CDC still isn’t sure how the vaccine could affect the young individuals of the world. However, that information is subject to change.

No matter how the coronavirus has or could affect your life, a vaccine is the answer to potentially stopping and maintaining the disease plaguing our ordinary lives.