SEATTLE — Coronavirus infections are climbing to record highs nationwide. Patients are filling hospitals in some states. Experts fear we're in for a dark winter.
A shot of hope could be coming, as vaccine makers are deep in clinical trials. Governments are stockpiling doses and preparing for efficient delivery of a vaccine, should one be proven safe and effective.
But over time, the stiffest challenge when it comes to vaccines may not be creating, approving or distributing them. It might be getting people to take them.
Americans' willingness to be vaccinated dropped over the summer, with about half of people polled now saying they'd be reluctant, according to recent surveys. Vaccinating only half the population would likely fall short of stopping transmission of the virus.
Decisions made now, by scientists and by those in political power, could have a lasting effect on whether vaccines succeed in driving out COVID-19 and other diseases.
