Page 228 - fourth year book

COVID-19

 COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine:

A vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is perhaps the
best hope for ending the pandemic. Currently, there is no vaccine to

prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus, but researchers are racing to
create one.

Coronavirus vaccine research

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses such as

the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle
East respiratory syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is caused by a virus that's

closely related to the one that causes SARS. For this reason, scientists
named the new virus SARS-CoV-2.

While vaccine development can take years, researchers aren't
starting from scratch to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Past research

on SARS and MERS vaccines has identified potential approaches.

Coronaviruses have a spike-like structure on their surface called an
S protein. (The spikes create the corona-like, or crown-like, appearance
that gives the viruses their name.) The S protein attaches to the surface of

human cells. A vaccine that targets this protein would prevent it from

binding to human cells and stop the virus from reproducing.

Coronavirus vaccine challenges

Past research on vaccines for coronaviruses has also identified some
challenges to developing a COVID-19 vaccine, including:

 Ensuring vaccine safety: Several vaccines for SARS have been tested
in animals. Most of the vaccines improved the animals' survival but
didn't prevent infection. Some vaccines also caused complications,

such as lung damage. A COVID-19 vaccine will need to be thoroughly

tested to make sure it's safe for humans.

 Providing long-term protection: After infection with coronaviruses,
re-infection with the same virus; though usually mild and only

happening in a fraction of people, is possible after a period of months

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