Cases of the novel coronavirus have reached all-time highs in the commonwealth of Kentucky and in southern Indiana during the early weeks of 2021. But with vaccination against COVID-19 underway, health experts are encouraged that hope is on the horizon. For HealthTalks Now’s first show of the new year, guest Benjamin Klausing, MD, an infectious disease specialist in Louisville, Kentucky, weighs in on the vaccine and its role in creating a return to normalcy. He shares his experience getting the shot, discusses vaccine rollout, and offers advice about vaccination. He also provides insight into new strains of the virus, explains the significance of achieving herd immunity, and predicts how this pandemic could influence the future of treating infectious diseases.