Kate Bingham warns against “over-optimism”, says initial Covid-19 vaccines may prove ineffective

• Kate Bingham warns that the first generation of Covid vaccines might prove ineffective for some or even fail altogether. 
• Scientists at Imperial College London said that antibodies declined rapidly suggests that the vaccines might not be long-lasting. 
• Vaccine Taskforce is working on building a diverse portfolio to develop the most influential vaccine possible.

THD NewsDesk, London: On October 27, UK Vaccine Taskforce Chair Kate Bingham cautioned that people should not be too hopeful, exposing the harsher possibility of never developing a Covid vaccine at all. Even if a potentially effective vaccine is formed over the years, in all likelihood, the first generation of COVID-19 vaccines might not have a long-lasting effect. Weaker immune response in elderly citizens and those suffering from critical illnesses could render them incapable of benefiting from the vaccine. 

Backed by the Vaccine Taskforce, Bingham went as far as to say in her article published in The Lancet medical journal that “many, and possibly all, of these vaccines, could fail.” 

“The first generation of vaccines is likely to be imperfect, and we should be prepared that they might not prevent infection but rather reduce symptoms, and, even then, might not work for everyone or long,” she regretfully added. 

Further underlining pharmaceutical firms’ inadequacy in mass-manufacturing vaccine doses across the globe, Bingham stated that billions of doses are currently required worldwide. As opposed to the demand, the UK’s manufacturing capability has been “equally scarce” and inept at providing all its citizens. 

Adding to the dilemma of research scientists striving to develop a potent vaccine, a study published by the scientists at Imperial College London demonstrates that antibodies against the fatal virus destroy quickly. The study confirms Bingham’s fear regarding the short-term effectiveness of the initial vaccines. 

The cause of worry among UK scientists is also rooted in the speculation that the second wave of coronavirus might claim more lives than the first. The British Vaccine Taskforce is currently strategizing to assemble a portfolio of various potential vaccines to heighten the prospects of procuring the safest and most effective vaccine soon.

Source: NDTV