Pfizer applied for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, raising hopes for an end to the global pandemic. The submission to the U.S. FDA comes just days after the firm reported that final trial results showed the vaccine to be 95 percent effective in preventing the virus. If approved for widespread use, distributions will be made before the year is up. Earlier, Vice President Mike Pence said that vaccines would be rolled out across the country within 24 hours once they are confirmed to be safe and effective.
