Thread by @DrCharlieWeller, 2020 has been such a difficult year for so many of us. [...]

2020 has been such a difficult year for so many of us.
But..... the glimmer of hope for me has to be the astonishing speed of vaccine development

The effects of this will shape science for years to come. 

I'll explain more in this thread

1/14

First and foremost, we must acknowledge and pay tribute to all those involved in the development of these vaccines so far. From research teams, healthcare workers, manufacturers and of course, trial volunteers. 

A truly extraordinary, global, historic collaboration. 
2/14

Unprecedented may be overused this year, but there is no better word to describe the fact that a vaccine has been developed, received emergency approval and is ready to roll out in less than a year.
All for a completely new virus. 
3/14

It is even more remarkable than we have not just one, but multiple vaccines on the horizon. The speed at which teams have worked to turn concepts - like RNA technology - to reality is incredible. 
4/14 https://wellcome.org/news/seven-vital-questions-about-rna-covid-19-vaccines-pfizer-biontech-moderna

Seven vital questions about the RNA Covid-19 vaccines emerging from

Preliminary data from phase III clinical trials has shown the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines to be more than 90% effective. So, how do they work, are they safe, and when will they be

https://wellcome.org/news/seven-vital-questions-about-rna-covid-19-vaccines-pfizer-biontech-moderna

To be clear: speed has not compromised safety. No corners have been cut. 
This speed is testament to the research effort  & investment, which made it possible to recruit volunteers, begin manufacturing & start trials in parallel rather than in sequence
5/14

These are huge steps forward but it is more important than ever to not become complacent if we hope to return to our sense of normality.

The path ahead may now be brighter, but it brings into view the significant hurdles that remain.
6/14

We now face a phenomenal logistical challenge: manufacturing, delivering and rolling out billions of doses to every country around the world. This is the biggest vaccination challenge in history.

These must be affordable and accessible to everyone, everywhere.
7/14

Initial supply will be limited and must reach at-risk groups and healthcare workers in the first instance.

Robust plans must be in place to ensure doses are delivered efficiently. 
8/14

Richer nations cannot hoard the supply. As long as the pandemic is a problem somewhere, it is a problem everywhere.

Global solidarity will be key. After all, we are racing the virus. Not each other.

9/14 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/vaccines-great-new-global-solidarity-way-pandemic/

Vaccines are great new but global solidarity is the only way out of this pandemic

The world will never be safe while any single country is still fighting the virus

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/vaccines-great-new-global-solidarity-way-pandemic/

If we’re to have enough doses for the entire world, we will need a range of vaccines that work across different populations, age groups and settings.

It is vital that there is further investment to support future vaccine development research.
10/14 https://wellcome.org/news/four-reasons-why-we-need-multiple-vaccines-covid-19

Four reasons why we need multiple vaccines for Covid-19

Having a range of Covid-19 vaccines available for people to use around the world will be essential to bringing the pandemic under control. Here’s why.

https://wellcome.org/news/four-reasons-why-we-need-multiple-vaccines-covid-19

As normal with any vaccine, close and continued monitoring for safety and efficacy as it is delivered is crucial.
We still have more to learn about how long the protection of each vaccine lasts and whether they can stop transmission as well as prevent disease. 
11/14

And for vaccines to work, we need vaccination.
Trust is arguably our most important tool in public health.

We have learnt from Ebola and HPV vaccination that locally led, well-planned campaigns are the most effective at reaching the most people.
12/14

We are not at the end of the road yet, but we're picking up momentum.
Vaccines, along with effective tests and treatments, but most importantly, global collaboration will help us overcome #COVID19  
13/14

If we can keep up this momentum, we can bring this pandemic to an end everywhere and save more lives, quicker.
I'm optimistic for a brighter 2021
14/14

Latest Threads Unrolled: