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1/I've been thinking lately that scientists the world over are excited to say we're almost ready for the COVID vaccine similarly to being ready for 2021. There is also a lot of celebration about the vaccine research getting to the desired goal so fast. But with my #scicomm ears I
2/can hear clearly the sceptics building the doubts & mistrust as to why THIS 
has happened so fast. So I'd like to do a Q&A thread based on the 3 reasons why this was so quick according to a short video by the WHO: worldwide collaborations, rapid funding &worldwide volunteers
has happened so fast. So I'd like to do a Q&A thread based on the 3 reasons why this was so quick according to a short video by the WHO: worldwide collaborations, rapid funding &worldwide volunteers
3/
Q: worldwide collaborations-> don't scientists collaborate anyways? Why is this time special?
A: Yes, scientists &labs do collaborate but not to the extent that happened in these 10 months. It's not simple to share data, definitely not funding, nor is mortality so high often
Q: worldwide collaborations-> don't scientists collaborate anyways? Why is this time special?
A: Yes, scientists &labs do collaborate but not to the extent that happened in these 10 months. It's not simple to share data, definitely not funding, nor is mortality so high often
4/
Q:rapid funding -> doesn't research only work with funding?
A: Indeed, research can only be done if there is funding but it is usually limited &funding applications are often rejected which stalls progress. This time funds where made available to a greater extent & sources
Q:rapid funding -> doesn't research only work with funding?
A: Indeed, research can only be done if there is funding but it is usually limited &funding applications are often rejected which stalls progress. This time funds where made available to a greater extent & sources
5/
Q:worldwide volunteers-> what does that even mean?
A: Drugs go through trials with participants to test &record effect&side-effects, safety etc. Recruiting participants may be a long process. Bureaucracy is also a long process till a drug is cleared for the market
Q:worldwide volunteers-> what does that even mean?
A: Drugs go through trials with participants to test &record effect&side-effects, safety etc. Recruiting participants may be a long process. Bureaucracy is also a long process till a drug is cleared for the market
6/the widespread communication of COVID however has kept us abreast of the progress &the call for volunteers was via global 
The devastating effects of COVID have accelerated funding decisions, changed sharing data protocols &created smooth paths for collaborations. So speed
The devastating effects of COVID have accelerated funding decisions, changed sharing data protocols &created smooth paths for collaborations. So speed
7/for finding a vaccine is unprecedented, yes, because many usual obstacles have been removed (primary being the funding). In comparison to the flu vaccine that took long years to develop, we have the added advantage of 100 years of improving technology 
