Thread by @BBCWorld

As coronavirus continues to spread, medical researchers worldwide are working hard to find a vaccine against its disease, Covid-19

But how close are we to a vaccine, what's the science behind it, and who would get it first?

[Thread]

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Vaccine development normally takes years, but scientific teams generally hope to find success by mid-2021

🇺🇸First human trial for a vaccine announced last month

🇬🇧University of Oxford researchers are aiming for 1 million doses of a vaccine by September

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However, finding a vaccine against Covid-19 is just the first step

So, what would have to happen next?

✅Trials to prove the vaccine is effective
✅Medical approval
✅Proof the vaccine can be mass-produced

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How many people would need to be protected?

Around 60 - 70% of people need to be immune to the virus to stop it spreading easily - known as herd immunity

But the ultimate aim is eradication through global protection

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Who would get the vaccine first?

Priority would be given to those most at risk, to maximise supply and healthcare system capacity

✅Healthcare staff
✅Older people, less receptive to vaccines with age
✅High-risk groups with vulnerable immune systems

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