A new coronavirus vaccine has been shown to offer more than 90% protection against getting Covid-19.
So far it has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries, and there have been no health concerns. Once approved, it may be possible to start using the vaccine as early as the end of this year.
The vaccine works with a new experimental approach, where part of the virus's genetic code is injected into the person to train the immune system. For protection, two doses are needed, three weeks apart.
If the vaccine is proven effective, it will be crucial in our fight against the virus. Already, the UK government has ordered 40 million doses. As a result, the stock market has rocketed, and people are starting to imagine a lockdown-free life.
However, we must remember that this dream is not yet a reality - the vaccine has not been certified as of now, and once approved, there will still be huge logistical challenges. Firstly, the data is based only on the first 94 volunteers to develop the virus, so further trials are needed. Currently, how long the immunity lasts is unknown. Finally, the vaccine needs to be kept at -80C, requiring infrastructure that is not yet available.
So for now, we will just have to put on our masks, social distance, and hope for a virus-free future.
Written by @c.ara.h
Artwork by Zara Masood
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