Oxford scientists say a vaccine may be widely available by September

[Quixote1818]

By CHARLIE D'AGATA CBS NEWS April 29, 2020, 6:30 AM

In the global race to find a vaccine, Oxford University just jumped way ahead of the pack. Human testing is already underway, and scientists say they're hopeful a coronavirus vaccine will be widely available by September.

Technology the lab had already developed in previous work on inoculations for other viruses, including a close relative of COVID-19, gave it a head start.

"Well personally, I have a high degree of confidence about this vaccine, because it's technology that I've used before," said Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at the university.

The vaccine takes the coronavirus' genetic material and injects it into a common cold virus that has been neutralized so it cannot spread in people. The modified virus will mimic COVID-19, triggering the immune system to fight off the imposter and providing protection against the real thing.

The experimental vaccine has reportedly worked in protecting rhesus macaque monkeys that were exposed to heavy quantities of COVID-19.

In the human trials, 550 participants are given the vaccine, and another 550 receive a placebo.

More:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-vaccine-oxford-university-scientists-september/?fbclid=IwAR3lUrNq-_MaIfGcfTyHk1TYNyR3i-BG4JqtQwSkdZCGlRcDBDcHQsUyCoI

[mainer]

1. please please please

just in time to save us from the autumn resurgence

[LisaL]

3. If covid will even go away to begin with.

The sooner we will get the effective vaccine, the better.

[Jamastiene]

2. I sure hope so.

I hope they can find a way to do it sooner.

[misanthrope]

9. There's just no way

Scientists can administer the vaccine to lab animals (the rhesus macaques in this case) and then expose them to the virus to test its efficacy. Ethical restrictions keep them from doing to the same to humans. Therefore, all they can do is provide the vaccine and monitor the individuals over time as they go about their lives. That's why it takes so long. I don't see any way you can ethically change that.

[Goodheart]

4. oh god please be true

[shockey80]

5. If they come out with a vaccine that quickly I would be afraid to take it.

Experts have told us it takes at least a year of testing to see if the vaccine is safe.

[rockfordfile]

6. there should be more testing

[yonder]

7. Great news, if it turns out to be effective.

When does tRump take credit for it, effective or not?

[Laelth]

8. Good news, indeed. n/t

-Laelth