The scientific advancements brought about by the coronavirus pandemic have sparked “massive optimism” about tackling other deadly diseases, according to Professor Luke O’Neill.
The Trinity immunologist was speaking as a Dublin grandmother prepares to become the first person to get the vaccine in the Republic.
Around 2,000 doses will be administered in four hospitals across the country in the coming days before the rollout moves to nursing homes next week.
On Late Breakfast with Mark Cagney this morning, Professor O’Neill said the vaccines will mark the “biggest medical advance in 100 years when we look back on it.”
“The virus was only described on January 12th and within nine or ten months alter we have a vaccine in humans, it is incredible,” he said.
“It is understandable people are anxious, asking how we can do this so fast and there is hesitancy but all we can do is reassure them.
“The main reason is that if you put money into something, things will go faster. That is what happened here, they put thousands of people on the case.”
