Vaccine status as of October 30, 2020

Of course, as of right now, a vaccine for COVID-19 does not exist. However, it’s in the works and according to the New York Times, it could be ready for approval at the end of 2021. The process is much more complicated than we think. This article will break it down into simpler terms to put everything in perspective.

Testing Process

The testing process has 6 phases: Preclinical testing, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Limited, and Approved. In more specific terms, there is Preclinical Testing, Safety Trials, Expanded Trials, Efficacy Trials, and then Limited and Approved. The goal for the vaccine is to get to the approved stage, which means that it is ready to distribute to the public. As of October 27, 2020, the stats are as follows: 34 for Phase 1, 14 for Phase 2, 11 for Phase 3, 6 for Limited, and 0 for Approved.

Pre-Trials

Before Phase 1, there are preclinical trials that test on cells and animals. Phase 1 includes testing for basic safety and dosage: how much can we give a patient and how safe will the consequences be? Phase 1 tests in small amounts on humans. These tests give scientists a basic idea on how the vaccine would work on humans. From this, they can predict the safety of the vaccine and how much can be given to humans.

Phase 2

Phase 2 still works on humans, but this time of different age groups and types. This is to assess the effects that might only occur in certain groups of people. This is again more focused on the basic safety part and how it might affect the general public. These also test the vaccine’s effect on the immune system: will the vaccine strengthen the immune system to fight off the virus or will it backfire and weaken it?

Phase 3

Phase 3 tests on a much larger scale, testing on thousands of people, trying to compare the effects to people who volunteered and got placebos. A hidden bonus to phase 3 is getting to see any rare side effects that may have been missed during earlier studies. This helps scientists re-evaluate and figure out what changes may need to be made. This is thanks to the large-scale testing that takes place with multiple people of different backgrounds.

Approval

Early or Limited Approval is unfortunately not the best stage to be at, because many countries that have reached this stage have skipped the results from Phase 3 testing. This is harmful because there are still many side effects and consequences that have not been explored. Governments may approve vaccines as an emergency due to a large outbreak in the country, however it may be counterproductive due to the lack of testing.

Approval is the goal for many of these scientists, which means after thorough testing and government approval, the vaccine is ready for the general public. However, once a vaccine is approved or “licensed” for others to use, scientists will have to continue to monitor those who take it to watch out for any unforeseen effects.

As the race for a vaccine continues in numerous countries, it is still important to social distance, wear masks in public, and use protective measures when meeting with others.

It is also important to stay up-to-date with case numbers in your country, city, and state to be cautious around certain areas.

As an extra side note, maybe consider writing thank you letters to those working in your neighborhood hospital! We appreciate them a lot, and I’m sure they would love to see that appreciation in written words.

And in advance, Happy Halloween! Stay safe while celebrating