How to Make a Vaccine: An Essential Guide for Covid-19 and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted researchers to race to develop and distribute a vaccine that could end the greatest public health threat of our time. In How to Make a Vaccine, Dr. John Rhodes, an immunologist, explains how three hundred years of vaccine discovery and a century and a half of immunology research have come together to lead to multiple COVID-19 vaccines. He describes how the immune system evolved to combat infection, how viruses responded by evolving ways to evade our defenses, and how vaccines do their work. Rhodes is hopeful that multiple vaccines will protect us and that discoveries today are also empowering scientists to combat future threats to global health, such as a recent breakthrough in the development of genetic vaccines.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 29 March 2021
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
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The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted every aspect of our lives, altering our relationships with our communities, workplaces, and each other. The most pressing question remains: when will this global crisis end? Researchers worldwide are working tirelessly to find an answer by expediting the testing and distribution of vaccines that have the potential to eradicate this public health threat. In How to Make a Vaccine, an esteemed expert with firsthand experience in vaccine development shares an optimistic narrative of how three hundred years of vaccine discovery and a century and a half of immunology research have converged at this pivotal moment. Dr. John Rhodes, an immunologist who has collaborated with renowned figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, delves into the intricate process of designing, testing, and mass-producing vaccines for global deployment. This concise and accessible book offers a comprehensive explanation of how the immune system evolved to combat infections, how viruses have adapted to evade our defenses, and the role of vaccines in preventing disease.

The understanding of the immune system's complex mechanisms has reached a remarkable level, and the necessary tools and resources are readily available to biomedical scientists. Over 160 vaccine candidates have already been produced, indicating a promising trajectory in the fight against COVID-19. However, defeating the pandemic is just the beginning. Rhodes emphasizes that today's discoveries are also empowering scientists to prepare for future global health challenges. A recent breakthrough in the development of genetic vaccines holds great potential, offering a new approach to immunization that has never been tested on humans before.

As the world eagerly anticipates the arrival of vaccines, Rhodes provides a timely and informative overview of the science and strategies involved. He sheds light on the rigorous testing processes, the challenges faced during vaccine development, and the importance of global cooperation in achieving herd immunity. With his expertise and insights, How to Make a Vaccine serves as a valuable resource for individuals, policymakers, and healthcare professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger and more resilient society.

\n Weight: 248g\n
Dimension: 139 x 218 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226792514\n \n