Opposing view: Our review will reassure a skeptical public

Last week, the U.S. reached a grim milestone in a year filled with them: More than 250,000 Americans have now lost their lives to COVID-19. As the weather cools, cases are increasing, but many are beginning to finally see light at the end of the tunnel: a vaccine.

To date, three companies, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca, have produced vaccines that reported initial results of clinical trials and appear effective at fighting the coronavirus. That’s the good news.

However, according to multiple public opinion polls, many Americans have said they would not accept a vaccine if it were available today — an unfortunate statement about the erosion of public trust in government.

Put simply: It doesn’t matter how effective a vaccine is if no one takes it.

That is why seven states, including New York, have announced panels consisting of top public health and scientific experts that will review the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process for the vaccine. New York’s group, headed by a Nobel Laureate, will examine the FDA’s process and give New Yorkers another signal that the vaccine is safe.

Our review will occur simultaneously with the FDA process so there is no delay, and once the vaccine is proven to be safe and effective, we can begin administering it immediately.

These actions can only serve to reassure an already skeptical public that the process adheres to the FDA’s reputation for the utmost scientific standards and increase vaccination rates.

As we have said from Day One: New York’s goal is to be the first COVID-free state and to implement the most efficient and smart vaccination program in the nation. By building public trust in the vaccine and approval process, we will set the foundation for a successful statewide vaccination program.