WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says Americans likely will need to wear masks and stay socially distanced to protect themselves from the coronavirus after a vaccine becomes available.
Fauci tells senators at a hearing that a vaccine won't change conditions overnight.
"The vaccine availability will go a giant step to controlling the infection, but you're not going to completely eradicate it or eliminate it," Fauci says.
It's unusual for a vaccine to be 100% effective, he says. Also, some people are skeptical of vaccinations and may avoid getting a shot.
Even if there's enough vaccine available for the entire U.S. population, it will take time to distribute the shots.