COVID-19 vaccine clinical research

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Research is the ongoing scientific investigation into the development and testing of vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic. The research is a global effort, involving scientists, medical professionals, and governments from around the world.

Background[edit | edit source]

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, was identified in December 2019. The rapid spread of the virus led to a global pandemic, prompting an urgent need for a vaccine. The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

Vaccine Development[edit | edit source]

The development of a vaccine begins with preclinical testing in laboratories, often using animals to assess the immune response. This is followed by clinical trials in humans, which are typically conducted in three phases.

Phase I trials involve a small group of people and aim to assess the safety and dosage of the vaccine. Phase II trials involve a larger group of people and aim to assess the vaccine's safety, immunogenicity, proposed doses, schedule of immunizations, and method of delivery. Phase III trials involve thousands to tens of thousands of people and aim to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in a large population.

COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates[edit | edit source]

As of 2021, several vaccines have been authorized for use by various regulatory bodies. These include vaccines developed by Pfizer–BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford–AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen, and Gamaleya Institute (Sputnik V).

Challenges and Controversies[edit | edit source]

The rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines have been met with various challenges and controversies, including issues related to production, distribution, access, and vaccine hesitancy.