A COVID-19 vaccine is already showing important successes on the road to potential immunization against coronavirus, with Oxford University claiming another
A COVID-19 vaccine is already showing important successes on the road to potential immunization against coronavirus, with Oxford University claiming another milestone for the work-in-progress drug. The possible vaccine is one of several in development around the world, as private companies and research labs alike hunt for a way to address the ongoing pandemic.
Multiple theories exist around how such vaccinations might work, whether that be introducing neutralized COVID-19 viruses to in effect train the human antibody system to deal with them, or to instead focus on mRNA sequences that have been coded for a specific disease antigen. However universal among the approaches is the reality that the timescales for developing a safe and successful vaccine are typically lengthy.
That’s because extended human trials are needed in order to validate both efficacy and safety. Despite claims from some quarters that potential vaccinations could be ready for broader public use as early as Q1 2021, experts caution that it’s by no means guaranteed. Until then, social isolation and the wearing of masks are still the recommended guidance.
All that said, Oxford University has announced the latest findings in its COVID-19 vaccination trial, and the results are tentatively promising.
