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> we're talking about giving vaccines to billions of people

But the same people will be affected due to economic headwinds (directly or indirectly) if vaccine is not available soon.

So it is also a question of financial stability & bring confidence back of doing things normally.

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If those most at risk from the virus can be protected by the vaccine, why would there be any need for continued lockdowns and closures?

It will take time (months) to vaccinate the bulk of the population. In the meantime, you do not want more influx of patients to the hospital.

After substantial population is vaccinated there should not be any need for lockdowns & closures.

But those most at risk are not "the bulk of the population," and the rest are very unlikely to need hospitalization. Again, why would lockdowns need to be maintained past the time necessary to vaccinate the high risk groups?

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