Know the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine

A vaccine that prevents COVID-19 is probably the best hope for ending a pandemic. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 virus from being transmitted, but researchers are racing to make one.

Coronavirus vaccine research

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses such as colds, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is caused by a virus that is closely related to the virus that causes SARS. That is why scientists have named the new virus SARS-CoV-2.

While Vaccine development Researchers haven’t started developing the COVID-19 vaccine from scratch because it could take years. Previous studies on SARS and MERS vaccines have identified potential approaches.

The surface of coronavirus has a spike-like structure called S protein. (The spikes create a corona-like or crown-like appearance that names the virus.) S proteins attach to the surface of human cells. Vaccines targeting this protein prevent it from binding to human cells and stop the virus from reproducing.

Challenge of coronavirus vaccine

Previous studies of coronavirus vaccines have also identified some challenges in developing the COVID-19 vaccine:

Ensuring vaccine safety. Several vaccines for SARS have been tested in animals. Most vaccines improved animal survival but did not prevent infection. Some vaccines also caused complications such as lung damage. The COVID-19 vaccine needs to be thoroughly tested to make sure it is safe for humans.

Provides long-term protection. After infection with a coronavirus, reinfection with the same virus is usually mild and only occurs in some people, but it can occur months or years later. An effective COVID-19 vaccine should provide people with long-term protection against infection.

Protection of the elderly. People over the age of 50 are at increased risk of severe COVID-19. However, older people usually do not respond to the vaccine as well as the young. The ideal COVID-19 vaccine is suitable for this age group.

Routes for developing and producing the COVID-19 vaccine

Global health authorities and vaccine developers are currently working together to support the technology needed to manufacture vaccines. Some approaches were previously used to create vaccines, but some are still very new.

Live vaccine

Live vaccines use a form of attenuated bacteria that causes the disease. This type of vaccine boosts the immune response without causing illness. The term attenuated means that the ability of a vaccine to cause a disease is diminished.

Live vaccines are used to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, smallpox, and chickenpox. As a result, the infrastructure for developing this type of vaccine is in place.

However, live virus vaccines often require extensive safety testing. Some live viruses can infect people who have not been vaccinated. This is a concern for people with weakened immune systems.

Inactivated vaccine

Inactivated vaccines use killed (inactivated) versions of disease-causing bacteria. This type of vaccine provokes an immune response, but not an infection. Inactivated vaccines are used to prevent influenza, hepatitis A, and rabies.

However, killed vaccines may not offer as strong protection as vaccines produced by live vaccines. This type of vaccine often requires multiple doses followed by booster doses to provide long-term immunity. Producing these types of vaccines may require processing of large amounts of infectious virus.

Genetically modified vaccine

This type of vaccine uses genetically engineered RNA or DNA to direct copies of the S protein. These copies drive the immune response to the virus. With this approach, you do not have to deal with infectious viruses. Genetically modified vaccines have been developed, but none have been approved for human use.

Vaccine development timeline

Vaccine development can take several years. This is especially true if the vaccine contains new technologies that have not been tested for safety or adapted to enable mass production.

Why does it take so long? First, the vaccine is tested in animals to see if it works and if it is safe. This test must follow strict lab guidelines and typically takes 3-6 months. Vaccine manufacturing must also follow quality and safety practices.

Next is a human test. A small Phase I clinical trial assesses the safety of vaccines in humans. In Phase II, vaccine prescription and dosage are established to prove the efficacy of the vaccine. Finally, Phase III needs to prove the safety and efficacy of the vaccine to more people.

Due to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine regulators may quickly follow some of these steps. However, it is unlikely that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available more than 6 months after the start of clinical trials. Realistically, vaccines take 12-18 months or more to develop and test in human clinical trials. And it is not yet known if an effective vaccine against this virus is possible.

Once a vaccine is approved, it takes time to produce, distribute and administer it to people all over the world. People may not be immune to the COVID-19 virus, so two vaccinations may be required at 3-4 week intervals. People will begin to develop immunity to the COVID-19 virus 1-2 weeks after the second vaccination.

Much work remains. Still, the number of pharmaceutical companies, governments, and other agencies working on the COVID-19 vaccine is worthy of hope.

How to protect yourself and prevent COVID-19 infection

Up to COVID-19 vaccine If is available, prevention of infection is important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the following precautions be followed to avoid COVID-19 virus infections:

Avoid close contact. This means avoiding close contact (within approximately 6 feet, or 2 meters) with people who are ill or ill. Also, avoid large events and large gatherings.

Wear a cloth surface cover in public places. The cloth surface cover provides additional protection in places such as grocery stores where it is difficult to avoid intimate contact with others. They are especially recommended in areas where the community is widespread. This updated advice is based on data showing that people with COVID-19 can send infections Virus Before they realize they have it. Using a mask in public can help reduce spread from asymptomatic people. Non-medical cloth masks are generally recommended. Surgical and N-95 masks are in short supply and need to be booked for your healthcare provider.

Improve hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with elbows or tissue. Discard the used tissue. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you are ill, do not share tableware, glasses, bedding or other household items. Clean and disinfect the high-touch surface daily.

Stay home when you are sick. If you feel unwell, stay at home unless you get medical attention. Avoid commuting, attending school, entering and leaving public areas, and avoid public transport.

If you have a chronic medical condition and may be at high risk for serious illness, check with your doctor for other ways to protect yourself.

© 2020 Mayo Medical Education and Research Foundation
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