The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus epidemic is hastening the discovery of the most efficient vaccines. The development of cost-effective vaccines seems to be the only solution to terminate this pandemic. However, the vaccines’ effectiveness has been questioned due to recurrent mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Most of the mutations are associated with the spike protein, a vital target for several marketed vaccines. Many countries were highly affected by the 2nd wave of the SARS-CoV-2, like the UK, India, Brazil and France. Experts are also alarming the further COVID-19 wave with the emergence of Omicron and Deltron which are highly affecting the populations. Currently, various vaccine candidates are undergoing several phases of development. Their efficacy still needs to check for newly emerged variants. Various mutants of SARS-CoV-2 arrived, mainly concerned with the spike protein, a key component to design the vaccine candidates. Various vaccines are undergoing clinical trial and show impressive results, but their efficacy still needs to be checked in different SARS-CoV-2 mutants. It is important to understand how coronavirus gets mutated to design better new vaccines, providing long-term protection and neutralizing broad mutant variants. A proper study approach also needs to be considered while designing the vaccine efficacy trials, which further improved the study outcomes. Taking preventive measures to protect from the virus is also equally important, like vaccine development. Vaccination is the only way that might be helpful to combat the further global pandemic. The variation in the SARS-CoV-2 after a short time interval is the cause for concern. Several additional escape variants could be seen in the future, leading to a catastrophic epidemic reflection, as already observed in South Africa. Increment in viral transmission gives more opportunity for SARS-CoV-2 mutations to arise. As a result, the only way to halt the pandemic is for safe and effective vaccines against circulating variations to be disseminated evenly worldwide. Currently, there is no vaccine data against the new variants classified as a variant of concern. There is a need to develop vaccines that will be efficacious against the newly arisen mutants circulating worldwide and lead to an increased death rate.
There is also a need to exile the production of the vaccines so more populations get vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID 19 has afflicted over 224 nations and territories, leading towidespread fatalities. It was observed that people with underlyingchronic illnesses are more likely to get COVID-19.As the virus emerged it was observed that people with underlying chronic illnesses are more likely to get SARS-CoV-2 infections. Individuals with COVID-19 who have a past medical history of cardiovascular disorder, cancer, obesity, chronic lung disease, diabetes, or neurological disease had the worst prognosis and are more likely to develop ARDS or pneumonia. Furthermore, older people, patients with chronic kidney illness and cancer are not only in danger of COVID-19 infection, but they also have a considerably higher mortality rate. COVID-19 indications vary from moderate respiratory sickness to serious illness requiring intubation and oxygen therapy. Because the patient may be asymptomatic and the incubation period is between 2 and 14 days, it is difficult to make a timely diagnosis. Unfortunately, if respiratory problems occur during this time, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately. Individuals with comorbidities should take all necessary steps to avoid SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated mortality. Regular hand washing with soap or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, minimizing person to person contact and practicing social distance, wearing a face mask in public places, and avoiding going to public places unless essential are among the precautions. Individuals with comorbidities should be immunized as soon as possible, to prevent further complications. Global public health effort is required to increase awareness about minimizing the burden of these comorbidities that cause fatalities in COVID-19 subjects.
(The author is a Pharmacologist, and researcher at IIT Ropar. Views are his own)
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