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Advances in safety assessment methods have played a crucial role in expediting vaccine development. Modern techniques enable quicker, more accurate evaluations of vaccine safety profiles compared to the animal studies and long-term data collection typical in the past. The unprecedented urgency of the pandemic has led to a reassessment of development protocols, streamlining steps without sacrificing safety.

Timing and Potential Impact of the Vaccine

The emergence of a second wave of infections is most likely during the northern hemisphere winter months—December through February—particularly as international travel resumes and borders reopen. Travel and global exchange increase the risk of importing cases, making it challenging to prevent new outbreaks entirely.