The race is on to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. But in an outbreak situation, getting to market fast enough means the process – from discovery research to clinical development to large-scale manufacturing and regulatory approvals – all happens in a condensed timeframe. What are the implications? When will a COVID-19 vaccine be developed? Who are the key players involved? Vaccine expert Dr. Luis Barreto sheds light on vaccine development in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic response. His work in vaccinology over the past 30 years has involved helping to eradicate polio, dramatically reduce Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) and whooping cough infections, and shape immunization policy in Canada and around the world. “The WHO R&D blueprint offers guidance on adaptive clinical trials to help get the vaccines into trials as the candidate vaccines become available. Various manufacturers in North America, Europe, China and India are all making plans to scale up production to make millions of doses possible. We all need to keep in mind that the development of a safe, affordable and efficacious vaccine is an extremely important first of the many steps that we need to take. The most important step however is to make sure that billions of doses of efficacious vaccines are made available at a reasonable price to those who need it, especially in developing countries so that the pandemic can be controlled for now. This is where our Global Health graduates and students can play a role in developing and shaping policies that can help us all recognize vaccines as global public good.” Expert Perspectives on Pandemics: Global Health Webinar Series 2020 This free webinar series explores transdisciplinary perspectives on pandemics in the context of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 emergency presents a global challenge to our health care systems, our economy and our ways of living. In the face of this unprecedented global health crisis, McMaster is dedicated to innovation and collaboration in the discovery of solutions to help combat COVID-19. Take part in these webinars as experts delve into topics including flattening the curve, forecasting the new Coronavirus, cultural histories and reactions to past pandemics, and the search for a magic bullet. The series is part of the Master of Science in Global Health program’s global health symposium, the program’s capstone project.