Oxford Researchers: A Coronavirus Vaccine Could be Available by September

Human testing has already begun on a coronavirus vaccine that could become widely available as early as September.

That’s according to Oxford University scientists, who say they got a head start on the rest of the world in developing a vaccine because they were able to use technology from previously-developed vaccines to formulate one that’s effective against the coronavirus.

“Personally, I have a high degree of confidence about this vaccine because it’s a technology that I’ve used before,” says Oxford Professor Sarah Gilbert.

To develop the new vaccine, scientists injected the coronavirus’ genetic material into a neutralized common cold virus, Gilbert says.

The modified virus mimics COVID-19, prompting the immune system to develop antibodies to fight it off. The antibodies then remain in the system in case the Real McCoy comes along, Gilbert says.