Chapter 1
The outbreak and global spread of SARS-CoV-2
Chapter 2
Deciphering the virus: Science under the microscope
Chapter 3
The race for a shield: Vaccine breakthrough
Chapter 4
A world transformed: Adaptation and future prep
YOUR GOAL
Master of The story of the COVID-19 pandemic
Ch 3 · The race for a shield: Vaccine breakthrough
doctorx Unstable mRNA degrades quickly inside the body, but packaging it in lipid nanoparticles safely delivers genetic instructions to
doctorx Glowing spike spheres float over an empty city with social distancing floor decals.
Fun Fact
Ten-month miracle: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was authorized for emergency use in December 2020, just 326 days after the viral genome was first published.
Glossary
vaccine (noun)
A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases. In December 2020, the first mRNA vaccines were authorized, initiating the fastest immunization campaign in global history.
A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases. In December 2020, the first mRNA vaccines were authorized, initiating the fastest immunization campaign in global history.
Quiz
Unlike mRNA vaccines, how did the Johnson & Johnson vaccine deliver instructions to human cells?
Quiz
What was the name of the global initiative co-led by the WHO to ensure fair vaccine access for lower-income countries?
Quiz
Which scientists won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discoveries enabling mRNA vaccine development?
Quiz
How long did it take to develop the first authorized COVID-19 vaccine from the time the virus genome was sequenced?