With 2021 upon us, the world has made quick haste to develop multiple COVID-19 vaccines to help combat against the Coronavirus that brought the world to a halt in 2020. What does this mean for the many businesses and industries that are looking to move back to the workplace?
Approved Vaccines – United States
While there are still many organizations across the globe creating their vaccines, there are a number of vaccines that have been approved and are already in circulation. For a significant part of the country, these vaccines are first being distributed to the front line workers (hospitals, doctors’ offices, etc.) so the staff at these places can best help and serve their respected communities. Here are a list of the already approved COVID-19 vaccines:
Pfizer – Biontech
On November 9th, 2020, Pfizer and BioNTech released headline sweeping news that their vaccine is over 90 percent effective. WIth this accomplishment, weeks later, on December 11th, the FDA granted this vaccine for emergency use authorization. This vaccine was the first in the country to be given this authorization. By the end of 2021, Pfizer and BioNtech expect to create over 1.3 billion doses worldwide. This vaccine has been seen being distributed to many front line workers across the country, with some already completing their second dose.
Moderna Covid Vaccine
Quickly following the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, the FDA then gave emergency use authorization for the vaccine created by the company Moderna. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine only requires one shot, and early reports show that it is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 symptoms. The Moderna vaccine has shown promising results, with not only showing 95% effective but also showing that immunity can stay to at least a year.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Covid Vaccine
A single-shot vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) was brought to the frontlines quickly after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were approved. What makes the J&J vaccine appealing is the fact that it is a single-shot vaccine and does not require a second shot 3-4 weeks out from the first shot. However, in recent weeks, the J&J shot has been paused due to some cases in Colorado about blood clots appearing after getting the shot. The CDC has since paused the vaccine, but Dr. Fauci states that J&J could soon resume production with a warning to educate people about getting the J&J vaccine about the possible side effects of blood clots
Path Back to the Office
With two vaccines already approved for emergency use in the United States (with more on the way), many businesses must now consider what their path back to the office will look like.
For many, businesses, adopting new technologies in the office like video conferencing, sensor technology, room schedulers and the like will be vital. Implementing these technologies will help adopt a workplace that is flexible and can empower employees to do their best work at the office or back at home if a business chooses to go with a flexible schedule to ease people back in the office.
Technology is not the only aspect businesses need to consider when returning to the workplace, they also need to consider their office as a whole: furnishings, floorplans, PPE, and meeting/conference rooms. For instance, the need for PPE is not going to go away, and many people will start to roll PPE into their daily lives, whether it’s face coverings, hand sanitizers, or sanitization wipes. One of the easiest ways to cover the PPE needs for your office is to consider PPE stations spread out throughout the office, like this Glass Mounted Option here.
BOS Can Help
No matter what your return to workplace strategy will look like, BOS has the expertise businesses need to transition back into the office. From our many workplace resources, in-house expertise, and new products that can enable your workplace to distribute the vaccine to your workers, contact a BOS expert today to learn how you can start your path back to the workplace.
