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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

THE CHALLENGES FACED IN MAKING A VACCINE FOR COVID-19 — Part 2

Previously we’ve seen the difficulties researches face in trying to make a vaccine. But even if we make a vaccine, that’s just half the battle. Viruses are unique because they can mutate, and they can mutate to astonishing degrees. In humans mutations to tiny parts of our DNA can cause severe diseases or even death. In viruses mutations can change their structure, making them more infective and giving them a new coat. It gives them a survival advantage, the ability to evade our immune system and make our vaccines ineffective. This is why we need a new flu vaccine every year.

If it takes months to a year to develop a vaccine, it will be based off the virus found in December 2019. By this time the virus may have spread and mutated to such a degree that it is not effective. This does not mean all the effort was for nothing. Going through the steps and understanding the issues faced with making a COVID-19 vaccine can make the process quicker for subsequent vaccines against its mutated versions.

https://www.sciencealert.com/who-says-a-coronavirus-vaccine-is-18-months-away So Long to Develop a Vaccine

FAILURES FROM THE PAST

These issues were faced during the Ebola and Zika virus epidemics, and many large companies are understandably hesitant to develop vaccines for COVID-19. Ebola first broke out in 2014, and it was only in December 2019 that the first vaccine was approved for use by the European Commission and the United States. This is despite multiple large institutes in Canada and the UK working together to develop it.

13 different Ebola vaccine candidates had been identified soon after the outbreak, but none had been tested on humans. Unfortunately this is the most expensive part of development, and the area biopharmecuticals stand to loose the most money. Return on investments is also low, since epidemics usually take place in poorer countries, and the potential customers are unable to pay the high prices for these brand new treatments. It is an unfortunate realisation that research into medicines is driven by rich countries, for diseases that affect the rich.

https://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2016/06/16/why-did-the-market-fail-to-produce-an-ebola-vaccine Ebola

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

This is all well and good, but what does it mean for COVID-19? We know we cannot rush a vaccine, because a poorly designed vaccine with unknown side effects can cause more harm than good, especially if given to children or the elderly. Currently the WHO are tracking 31 different attempts at making a COVID-19 vaccine, using different methods as discussed before. All of these are currently in the pre-clinical stage, focusing on isolating parts of the virus and creating a target the body will recognise and react to.

Researchers at the University of Queensland were one of the first to start using the genetic code of COVID-19, released openly by Chinese researchers. They have developed a test vaccine within 6 weeks using state-of-the-art genetic techniques, used for the first time. If animal models prove successful then human testing might begin within 6 months. In the pharmaceutical industry advancements this quick are almost unheard of.

Additionally over 293 clinical trials are taking place in China using existing drugs on the market. The advantage is we already know these drugs are safe to use in humans, but we are trying to work out if they will work against COVID-19. Some scientists are also looking at medications that were initially developed against SARS and MERS, but never completed because these outbreaks died down and the medication was no longer required.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/china-recovered-develop-effective-covid-19-treatments-200302082850237.html COVID-19 treatments

https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/novel-coronavirus-landscape-ncov.pdf?ua=1 WHO news

https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/28/21156385/covid-coronavirus-vaccine-treatment-moderna-remdesivir-research COVID-19 treatment

Its not all doom and gloom. Challenges drive innovation, and we are already benefitting from this. New forms of genetic sequencing, new methods for extracting viral proteins, new techniques in creating a vaccine. These innovations are already benefitting us on the drive to create an effective vaccine for COVID-19, and they will benefit us in the future when the next pandemic hits.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, Product Manager Second Medic UK

www.secondmedic.com

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Remote Mental Health Therapy India: Bridging Distance with Compassionate Digital Care

Mental health is no longer a silent struggle - it’s part of the wellness conversation.
With the rise of digital platforms, remote mental health therapy is making emotional support more accessible, private, and convenient than ever before.

In India, where social stigma and time barriers often limit therapy access, SecondMedic is transforming how people seek and receive mental wellness support through its secure online counselling services.

The Rise of Remote Mental Health Therapy in India

India faces a critical mental health challenge - nearly 1 in 7 Indians experience psychological distress each year (NIMHANS 2024).
However, traditional therapy remains inaccessible for many due to location, cost, or social stigma.

Remote therapy breaks these barriers, offering confidential, convenient, and affordable access to professional care.
According to FICCI-EY’s 2024 Health Report, teletherapy usage in India increased by 68% post-pandemic, with 70% of users under the age of 35.

How SecondMedic’s Remote Therapy Works

SecondMedic’s virtual mental health program is designed to make therapy simple and stigma-free:

Book a Session: Choose a licensed therapist from various specializations.
Join Securely: Attend private video sessions with complete confidentiality.
Get Personalized Care: Therapists create coping plans using clinical and lifestyle insights.
Continuous Support: Access follow-ups, AI-based mood tracking, and wellness resources.

The entire process is digital, safe, and tailored to individual emotional needs.

Why Remote Therapy Works

Remote mental health therapy combines convenience and consistency - key factors in emotional healing.
It eliminates commute stress, provides comfort of familiar spaces, and allows flexible scheduling for busy professionals.

A Statista 2025 survey revealed that 87% of Indian users found online therapy equally effective as traditional sessions for managing anxiety and work stress.

Top Benefits of Remote Mental Health Therapy

1. Accessibility Without Boundaries

Therapy from anywhere - be it a metro city or a remote village - available at your fingertips.

2. Confidential and Comfortable

SecondMedic ensures judgment-free spaces where users can open up safely.

3. Cost-Effective and Time-Saving

Sessions are priced affordably, eliminating travel and waiting costs.

4. Holistic Wellness Integration

Therapy aligns with sleep, fitness, and nutrition tracking for all-around wellbeing.

5. Continuity of Care

AI tools and follow-ups maintain emotional stability even between sessions.

Mental Health and Corporate India

Workplace stress and burnout are now recognized as serious health risks.
Companies partnering with SecondMedic use digital therapy as part of corporate wellness programs, providing employees with access to confidential mental health support.

A Deloitte India (2024) study found that employee productivity increases by 21% when mental wellness programs are integrated into workplace policies.

Common Conditions Addressed by Remote Therapy

Stress and Anxiety Disorders
Depression and Burnout
Sleep Problems
Relationship or Family Conflicts
Trauma and Grief Recovery

SecondMedic’s diverse panel of therapists and psychologists specialize across these categories, ensuring personalized care for every user.

Privacy and Data Protection

Mental health demands trust - and SecondMedic safeguards it.
All sessions are encrypted, and users’ medical and emotional data are stored securely under HIPAA and ABDM protocols, ensuring full confidentiality.

No information is shared without explicit patient consent.

India’s Future of Digital Mental Health

By 2028, India’s digital mental health market is expected to exceed USD 1 billion (IMARC 2025) as teletherapy becomes mainstream.
AI-powered emotion analytics, wearable integration, and multilingual access will make mental healthcare even more inclusive.

SecondMedic is at the forefront of this movement - merging empathy with innovation to redefine how India experiences therapy.

Conclusion

Mental health is health.
With SecondMedic’s Remote Mental Health Therapy, emotional support is no longer limited by geography, stigma, or time.

India’s next step toward holistic wellness is digital - and it begins with a single, confidential conversation.

Book your online therapy session now at www.secondmedic.com

References

NIMHANS - National Mental Health Survey India 2024
FICCI-EY - Digital Healthcare Transformation Report 2024
Statista - Online Therapy Effectiveness Study India 2025
Deloitte India - Corporate Wellness & Productivity Report 2024
IMARC Group - Digital Mental Health Market India 2025-2028

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