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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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Weekly Health Roundup Newsletter: India’s Trusted Source for Preventive Wellness Insights

Health information today is abundant, but not always reliable. With countless articles, social media trends, home remedies and conflicting opinions, individuals often struggle to separate credible medical advice from misinformation. This challenge becomes especially significant in India, where rising lifestyle diseases, nutritional gaps and limited public health awareness create a pressing need for accurate guidance.

The Weekly Health Roundup Newsletter by SecondMedic addresses this gap by offering a clear, expert-driven and accessible summary of everything people need to know about their health each week. Designed for families, patients, caregivers and wellness-focused readers, it transforms medical updates into practical, everyday insights.

Why India Needs a Weekly Health Roundup

1. Growing Lifestyle Disease Burden

ICMR and NFHS-5 highlight significant increases in:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Thyroid disorders
Obesity
PCOS

A weekly educational resource empowers individuals to make preventive choices before complications arise.

2. Overload of Health Information

Millions of Indians rely on social media for health advice, leading to confusion and misinformation.
A curated newsletter ensures accuracy.

3. Rising Interest in Preventive Healthcare

People want to understand their bodies better, track health metrics and adopt healthier lifestyles.
The newsletter provides guidance supported by medical evidence.

4. Technological Growth in Healthcare

AI-based tools, wearables and digital monitoring are reshaping healthcare.
Readers learn how to use them effectively.

What the Weekly Health Roundup Covers

• Medical Research Summaries

Digestible versions of new findings from:

ICMR
WHO
Lancet
NITI Aayog
Global medical journals

• Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance

Includes:

Balanced diets
Myth-busting
Portion control
Affordable nutrition ideas for Indian households

• Chronic Disease Management Tips

Expert insights on:

Diabetes control
Heart health
Blood pressure
Hormonal disorders

• Mental Wellbeing

Stress reduction, emotional resilience and sleep optimisation tips.

• Fitness Recommendations

Simple routines, mobility tips, strength guidance and step-based activity recommendations.

• Seasonal Health Alerts

Information on:

Pollution
Heatwaves
Monsoon infections
Viral outbreaks

• Digital Health Education

Guidance on:

AI health tools
Wearable devices
Teleconsultation benefits
Remote monitoring

How SecondMedic Ensures Accuracy and Quality

Expert Verification

Doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists and mental health specialists review every issue.

Evidence-Based Approach

Content uses:

Peer-reviewed studies
Real-world health data
National and global guidelines

Personalised Relevance

Topics are selected based on what Indian families most commonly search, ask or struggle with.

Preventive Care Focus

Instead of addressing illness alone, the newsletter promotes long-term lifestyle improvement.

How Readers Benefit

1. Improved Health Literacy

People understand conditions earlier and seek help at the right time.

2. Practical, Actionable Advice

The newsletter offers:

Simple diet swaps
Daily routine tips
Easy-to-follow health habits

3. Early Detection Support

By recognizing symptoms and risk patterns, individuals can prevent complications.

4. Better Use of Digital Tools

Readers learn how AI health guides and wearables support monitoring and early intervention.

5. Family-Centered Wellness

Content is relevant to:

Children
Working adults
Elderly individuals
Chronic disease patients

Example Weekly Topics

A sample edition may include:

"New Findings on Vitamin D Deficiency in Indian Adults"
"How to Interpret Your Blood Sugar Patterns"
"5 AI Tools That Improve Home Health Monitoring"
"Early Signs of Heart Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore"
"Preventive Care Checklist for Busy Professionals"

Conclusion

The Weekly Health Roundup Newsletter is more than just a health update-it is a practical wellness companion. With expert insights, scientific clarity and personalised relevance, it empowers people across India to make smarter health decisions every week.

By turning complex medical knowledge into everyday guidance, SecondMedic strengthens India’s preventive healthcare movement one newsletter at a time.

References

• ICMR - Lifestyle Disease Burden & Research Updates
• NFHS-5 - National Health Indicators & Wellness Trends
• NITI Aayog - Digital Health & Preventive Care Framework
• WHO - Global Wellness & Preventive Healthcare Guidelines
• Lancet - Public Health Research & Behaviour Studies
• Statista India - Digital Health Usage & Reader Behaviour
• EY-FICCI - Health Awareness & Preventive Care Landscape

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