We are on the cusp of discovering whether we have a vaccine that works against coronavirus.
Scientists had to start from scratch earlier this year, but now the results of major trials are expected in the coming weeks or months.
Just to get to this point has been a remarkable and unprecedented feat, and data will arrive soon which will define our lives for years.
Why do we need a vaccine?
If you want your life to get back to normal then we need a vaccine.
Even now, the vast majority of people are still vulnerable to a coronavirus infection. It is only the restrictions on our lives that are preventing more people from dying.
But vaccines safely teach our bodies to fight the infection. This can either stop us catching coronavirus in the first place or at least make Covid less deadly.
The vaccine, alongside better treatments, is “the” exit strategy.
What do we know so far?
Trials have shown that experimental vaccines can train the immune system. Small studies have shown they can teach the body to make both antibodies, which prevent Covid from invading the body’s cells, and T-cells, which kill infected cells.
However, the biggest question of all – “Is this enough to protect me?” – remains unanswered.
There are now 11 vaccines in the final stage of testing, However, this is also the crucial point where some experimental vaccines fail.
Some of the studies have recruited all of their volunteers and we are just waiting for the results.
-BBC
