Covid Vaccines and Global Cooperation

     As Covid-19 is still thriving throughout the world, the proposal of a plausible vaccine is formulating in the medical industry. The largest pharmaceutical vaccine producer, Serum Institute, is working towards a functioning form of immunization. However, the process of producing and distributing the vaccine is challenging. From proper incubation of the medicine, the actual cost and excessive demand, to the general effectiveness of the vaccine, intricate drawbacks filter into the process. Living in a modern, money-craving society, will the coronavirus vaccination be perfected for efficacy, or will it be rushed to meet the undying needs of the public?

     In an address to the problems that are circulating, the main factor is the proper shipment of the medicine. Serum Institute, located in India, is the largest immunization manufacturer for the world's population. Vaccinations are mainly composed of weakened strands of a virus or bacteria. To keep the strands active, they must be stored and transported at frigid temperatures. In the developmental stages, Covid-19 vaccines need preserving at -80 degrees Celsius, or -112 degrees Fahrenheit. For appropriate shipment, glass vials must withstand the frozen temps. Trucks, planes, and warehouses also need to be of beneficial temperature for storage. However, there is a vast shortage of carbon dioxide to compose into dry ice. With a higher demand for vaccines, the supply to make and transport the needed materials is scarce. 

     As the demand for vaccinations is increasing, pharmaceutical companies are striving to make the most-effective vaccine. Based on "Find a Vaccine. Next: Produce 300 Million Vials of It." from the New York Times, more than two dozen different companies have already proposed immunization programs to develop a vaccine. With a shortage of materials, countries are shutting down their exports regarding their people. Amidst a pandemic, "at least 69 countries have banned or restricted the export of medical devices, medicines, and protective equipment," the article also reads. Through competitive business and a "rush" to hit the market, will the vaccine be effective? According to the Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, the phase 1 trial introduced 36 safe vaccines. However, the number reduced to 6 in the "limited" phase, approved for limited usage. The effectiveness of a poorly tested vaccine is risky for the public due to activating problems within an individual. Vaccines, if not tested properly, can cause seizures, paralyzing, or other severe ailments. When the country is desperately in need of a solution, sometimes the risk outweighs the possibilities. 

     When receiving your vaccine, whether it be the coronavirus or influenza, be thankful to be able to receive it and for the obstacles that many foreign companies have had to overcome to help ensure quality health and overall wellbeing.