The Covid-19 vaccine is the only realistic tool for escaping the deadly stranglehold the virus now has over us. Many South Africans are, thus, right to be concerned at the slow pace of vaccine procurement, as delayed access means delayed administration and a delayed return to full social and economic activity. What is clear, though, is that even once access is secured, it is going to take time (more than the 12 months outlined in the official strategy) to transition to herd immunity. In parallel, therefore, mask wearing, physical distancing and hand hygiene remain our primary tools for avoiding yet tighter restrictions of economic, educational and social activity.