News of several drugmakers finding success with their COVID-19 vaccines has boosted hopes that we can overcome the rise in coronavirus cases. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is optimistic the vaccine could be distributed by the end of the year, especially for nursing home residents and healthcare workers. But when will the general public expect to get the vaccine? It will depend somewhat on how many vaccines are approved by the FDA. Also, one factor to watch is the Pfizer vaccine, which as of now must be kept in an ultra-cold freezer. That requirement could make distribution difficult for drugstores and primary care physicians, especially in rural areas.