Summary on advances in the development of vaccines against COVID-19

We are attending a scientific race to stop the expansion of SARS-CoV-2. One of the most promising ways is to develop a safe and effective vaccine that will allow the majority of the population to be immunized. In this sense, numerous studies are in progress. However, the information that reaches us can be overwhelming, so this article aims to clarify the situation.

Currently there are more than 60 prototypes of vaccines against COVID-19 submitted to clinical trials and more than 170 prototypes in preclinical phases. Although current proposals cover almost all forms of research, the most promising platforms are nucleic acids, such as mRNA, which stands out for its high potency, short production cycles, low cost and safe administration. In fact, they are the base for the two vaccines approved for commercialization in Europe, Comirnaty^® and the Moderna vaccine.

Even though we have safe and effective vaccines commercialized, laboratories should expand the information about the time that protection remains, the prevention of serious cases, if it prevents asymptomatic infections, as well as information in immunosuppressed people, children and pregnant women. However, it is important to consider that obtaining a vaccine does not imply immediate control of the pandemic, but rather, a gradual process, since a certain percentage of the vaccinated population is needed to stop the community contagion. Therefore, it is of vital importance to comply with sanitary hygiene measures and to remain prudent.