We've only eradicated smallpox and rinderpest, so we have almost no experience doing something like this. It was also crazy to think that short-term containment measures (masks and social distancing) wouldn't start selecting strains that are more virulent.
The good news is that vaccine distribution is moving very quickly--hopefully faster than the virus can mutate. The bad news is only developed countries, India, and China will likely vaccinate that quickly.
> It was also crazy to think that short-term containment measures (masks and social distancing) wouldn't start selecting strains that are more virulent.
Why? It can't evolve against "no way to reach the human" like it could chemical/biological countermeasures.
But there's not "no way" when people work essential jobs, leave their homes for groceries, touch packages getting delivered, live with other people, etc.
The good news is that vaccine distribution is moving very quickly--hopefully faster than the virus can mutate. The bad news is only developed countries, India, and China will likely vaccinate that quickly.