Introduction

Millions of individuals have been impacted by COVID-19, which has had an unmatched negative impact
on economies and healthcare systems throughout the world. There is currently no effective treatment
for COVID-19 or its associated consequences. Vaccines are the only way to prevent this epidemic from
spreading. In contrast to conventional vaccinations, the COVID-19 vaccines are being created quickly,
and they are receiving global Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval. There are 232 vaccine
candidates as of right now. There are 172 in preclinical development and 60 in clinical development, of
which 9 have received EUA approval from various nations. This covers the United States (USA), Canada,
Russia, China, and India in addition to the United Kingdom (UK). {1}

COVID-19 vaccines are developed rapidly

The creation of vaccines requires a complicated interdisciplinary process that integrates understanding
of the interactions between hosts and pathogens with clinical research, population-level epidemiology,
and biomechanical production needs. Understanding immunological mechanisms that affect illness and
protection, as well as how they differ among people, risk groups, and communities, forms the basis of
the study.{2} Large sample sizes are needed to determine the vaccine's effectiveness if the population has
a low incidence of illness. Following the conclusion of these studies, the vaccine is evaluated for safety
and clinical efficacy before being approved by regulatory agencies like the European Medicines Agency
in the European Union or the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America (USA) (EU).
After the vaccine is marketed for use by the general public and evaluated for population-wide efficacy,
manufacturing and post-marketing surveillance are completed. Even when the vaccination is widely
used, incidents of negative side effects are documented. Only when the findings are encouraging and
the likelihood of failure is low can the developer move further with the vaccine's development. {3}

Manufacturing and distribution

As their reputation depends on the efficacy of their vaccines, manufacturers play an important role in
the supply chain for vaccines. Poorly functioning supply chains pose risks to the vaccines' efficacy and
safety, with significant repercussions for future supply in the event of unfavorable outcomes. Different
types of state- or privately-owned manufacturers operate in emerging nations. In 2018–2019, DCVMN
members provided a total of nearly 3.5 billion doses of vaccinations. To assist the development of
COVID-19 vaccines, DCVMN collaborates with international organizations, global health authorities, and
vaccine developers. This will make it possible to produce, finish, and provide the necessary COVID-19
vaccinations quickly. However, it is important to pay particular attention to the specifics of the quality
control, supply chain, and delivery capabilities . Three key areas were prioritized as Traceability in the
context of global digital health initiatives, amassing in the context of addressing vaccine shortages,
stock-outs, outbreaks and epidemic prevention, and new packaging technologies by an expert group of
DCVMN representatives in order to advance the supply chain. {4}

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has set aside $250 million for the creation of vaccinations as well
as for the improvement of the healthcare systems in Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing nations.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now equally accessible in all nations thanks to the introduction of COVAX by the
foundation CEPI, which funds vaccine development. Additionally, WHO is participating in every facet of
the COVID-19 pandemic response. Additionally, the WHO is compiling and updating data from
vaccination candidates in its Draft Landscape of COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, international
collaboration is essential in the battle against COVID-19. {5}

The Emergency Use Assessment and Listing Procedure (EUAL) was created by WHO to hasten the
accessibility of the vaccinations needed in public health emergencies. Based on the minimal quality,
safety, and effectiveness information that is currently available, it will monitor UN procurement
agencies and Member States about the suitability for use of a specific vaccine in the context of a public
health emergency. It will hasten the adoption and distribution of these vaccinations in member nations,
particularly in low- and middle-income nations. {6}

Future Aspect

Regarding SARS-CoV-2 immunity, especially the protective immunity, there are many unsolved concerns.
Due to the fact that the majority of vaccines currently in development are aimed at the healthy
population, i.e., adults between the ages of 18 and 55, there is a need for various types of vaccines for
various populations, including infants and children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised
individuals. It is also necessary to outline a secure regulatory approach for administering these
vaccinations to infants, expectant mothers, and people with impaired immune systems. Recent measles
and pertussis outbreaks in nations where these illnesses were previously under control showed that the
efficacy of vaccine campaigns cannot be taken for granted. Original beliefs regarding the effectiveness of
the vaccine might be challenged by long-term changes, such as decreased vaccination compliance or
altered disease epidemiology.{7}

References

1.Kashte, S., Gulbake, A., El-Amin III, S.F. and Gupta, A., 2021. COVID-19 vaccines: rapid development,
implications, challenges and future prospects. Human cell, 34(3), pp.711-733.

2. Cunningham AL, Garçon N, Leo O, Friedland LR, Strugnell R, Laupèze B, et al. Vaccine
development: from concept to early clinical testing. Vaccine. 2016;34:6655–
64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.10.016.

3. Krammer F. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in development. Nature. 2020;586:516–

27. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2798-3.

4. Jarrett S, Yang L, Pagliusi S. Roadmap for strengthening the vaccine supply chain in emerging
countries: manufacturers ’ perspectives. Vaccine.
2020;5:100068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvacx.2020.100068.

5. COVAX announces additional deals to access promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates; plans
global rollout starting Q1 2021 [Internet]. Glob. Alliance Vaccines Immunizations. 2020. Available
from: https://www.gavi.org/news/media-room/covax-announces-additional-deals-access-
promising-covid-19-vaccine-candidates-plans. Cited 23 Dec 2020.

6. Emergency Use Assessment and Listing Procedure (EUAL) for candidate vaccines for use in the
context of a public health emergency [Internet]. WHO (World Health Organ. 2015. p. 1–10.
Available from: https://www.who.int/medicines/news/EUAL-
vaccines_7July2015_MS_(Updated_notes-disclaimers_21Aug2018).pdf?ua=1. Cited 14 Dec 2020.

7. Doherty M, Buchy P, Standaert B, Giaquinto C, Cohrs DP. Vaccine impact: benefits for human
health. Vaccine. 2016;34:6707–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.10.025.