Vaccines Global Summit

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly uncovered the significance that vaccines have in global health. Vaccines against the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, were created within the shortest period ever recorded. Today, these vaccines represent one of the greatest keystones in pandemic response efforts. Such a record is attributed to the growth in advances within vaccine technology, international cooperation, and vast investments into research activities. Experience from vaccine development against COVID-19 has also opened avenues for better preparation and a swifter response to future pandemics.

The most well-known COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA-based vaccines, similar to those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. In an mRNA vaccine, genetic information is provided to the recipient's cells, which causes those cells to produce a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. This elicits an immune response that trains the body to recognize and prepare for defense against that virus when it comes later. Using this method allows a vaccine to be quickly designed since mRNA vaccines can be easily prepared by knowing the genetic sequence of a virus.

Other COVID-19 vaccines are those from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, which are viral vector vaccines. These vaccines exploit the presence of a non-pathogenic virus for the delivery of genetic information to cells in order to enable appropriate immunity against the coronavirus. Interestingly enough, both mRNA and viral vector vaccines have shown very high efficacy, especially against diseases that become serious, require hospitalization, and result in death, thereby evidencing flexibility in these vaccine technologies.

The COVID-19 vaccines have allowed vaccines for pandemics-the vaccines designed to quickly address emerging infectious diseases to gain momentum. Researchers are now developing universal coronavirus vaccines that may protect against a wide range of coronaviruses, possibly preventing future pandemics. Other platforms also include protein-based and DNA vaccines in an effort to add more to be part of rapid response mechanisms.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been a test for the efficacy of sustainable robust global vaccine supply chains in achieving equitable distribution of vaccines. It has further driven the less friendly prevalence of vaccine inequity between countries and catalyzed global efforts to strengthen vaccine supply chains and scale up access to low-income countries. The lessons learned from developing COVID-19 vaccines have not only redefined the future of vaccination but also equipped the world with better tools for managing pandemics and stimulating stronger resilience for global health.