Newsbreak: Despite skepticism, COVID-19 vaccine still deemed safe by health experts

Although millions of Americans have already taken the coronavirus vaccine, many are hesitant due to fears over its safety.

As of today, 2 million Floridians are fully vaccinated. A recent study found that nearly a quarter of Americans don’t want to get the vaccine. Health experts claim that the vaccines are much safer than people realize and that the possibility of severe side effects isn’t a problem.

“Every trial does due diligence,” says Judy Oestreicher, a clinical scientist and director at Moderna. “The whole point of the trials is safety. The whole point of phase one is safety. Phase two is dose and escalation. Three is going to the general population just to make sure it is safe.”

The FDA is still monitoring the vaccine’s progress and any effects it may have, even though it was approved for the market. For there to be herd immunity, experts say, between 70% and 80% of Americans need to get vaccinated. Herd immunity would leave the virus with few places to go and significantly slow the disease’s spread.

Empower Adventures provides COVID-19-safe entertainment

A North Tampa Bay zipline company has outdoor activities for those looking to get out of their houses during quarantine.

Empower Adventures takes guests 65 feet in the air for over 3,000 feet of ziplining. Adventurers can expect to see a bird’s-eye view of Tampa Bay while on tour.

The course includes a 200-foot suspension bridge, aerial obstacle courses and towers for rappelling. In addition to the course, there is also a wilderness preserve where you can encounter nature and local wildlife.

If that is not enough thrill, there is the leap of faith, a 30-foot solo climb that challenges those who are most daring. All guests are encouraged by Empower Adventures to experience the leap of faith.

This weekend, Empower Adventures is staying open after hours for its Moonlight Adventure. The tour allows participants to soak in the nocturnal life of Tampa Bay and see things that only appear during the night.

For more information, visit its website.

Credits

Anchor: Demi Asensio, Hannah Halili

Reporters: Dylan Zuccarello

Producer: Brad Haft

Writers: Bryony Deighton, Sean Stover, Courtney Patterson

Graphics editor: Chloe Benjamin, Emma Kelley

Video Editors: Bryony, Sean Stover, Courtney Patterson

Show Editor: Payton Kirol

Associate Producer: Gabe Castro, Carla Ibanez

Executive Producer: Payton Kirol

Web Editor: Austin Federau

Graduate Assistant: Emmanuel Maduneme

Faculty Adviser: Jeanette Abrahamsen, Wayne Garcia