It has been a very long year, and COVID-19 has likely affected almost every person in the country in one way or another.

But some good news regarding the virus has been trickling in recently, and that news is concerning the availability and effectiveness of COVID vaccines.

Vaccine distribution is on the rise, and they are being proven to be effective in battling the virus.

According to ABC News, the two-dose vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna are both about 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 after both doses have been administered. Johnson and Johnson’s single-shot vaccine is 66 percent effective in preventing moderate and severe cases of the virus, but is 85 percent effective in preventing severe cases.

Not only are the vaccines working, but those who have been fully vaccinated are now able to return some kind of normalcy in their lives.

The CDC said Monday that people who have been vaccinated are able to gather in small groups with others who have been vaccinated without wearing masks or social distancing.

We at The Daily Eastern News strongly urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they can.

The vaccines are safe, effective and represent an incredible scientific achievement.

Of course, until you are vaccinated, continue wearing a mask and social distancing. But hopefully these will become things of the past in the not too distant future.