Vaxxers: The Inside Story of the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine and the Race Against the Virus

The book "Vaxxers" tells the story of how Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at Oxford University, and her team designed and produced the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19 in less than 12 months. It provides insight into the science and hard work behind the vaccine and offers hope for the future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

The Sunday Times bestseller and Radio 4 Book of the Week, Vaxxers, is a captivating tale of a race against time to develop a vaccine against the deadly COVID-19 virus. On January 1, 2020, Sarah Gilbert, a Professor of Vaccinology at Oxford University, stumbled upon an article about four individuals in China suffering from a peculiar pneumonia. Within two weeks, she and her team had successfully designed a vaccine against a pathogen that no one had ever encountered before. Less than a year later, vaccination efforts were launched worldwide, aimed at saving millions of lives from the pandemic.

In Vaxxers, readers have the privilege of hearing directly from Professor Gilbert and her colleague Dr. Catherine Green, as they share the intricate details behind the creation of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. This is their story of fighting a pandemic as ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances. Through heart-stopping moments and meticulous fact-checking, they unravel the science behind the vaccine's development, explaining how they achieved a highly effective vaccine in record time, with the world eagerly watching. They also offer hope for the future, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and the role of science in saving us from future pandemics.

The book takes readers into the lab, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific processes and innovations that led to the development of the vaccine. It sheds light on the challenges and obstacles faced by researchers, as well as the unwavering determination and collaboration that propelled them forward. Vaxxers is not only a scientific journey but also a human story, showcasing the resilience and courage of those who worked tirelessly to bring this vaccine to fruition.

By delving into the science behind the vaccine, Vaxxers offers valuable insights into how we can prepare for and respond to future health crises. It emphasizes the importance of investing in research and development, as well as the need for global cooperation and collaboration in addressing emerging threats. The book also raises important ethical and societal questions, such as the balance between public health and individual rights, the distribution of vaccines, and the potential impact of vaccines on public trust.

In conclusion, Vaxxers is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the science, history, and human impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a testament to the power of science, innovation, and collaboration in the face of adversity. Through the stories of Professor Gilbert and her colleagues, readers are given hope for the future and a deeper appreciation for the incredible achievements of researchers and healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly to save lives and bring an end to the pandemic.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529369854