The hunt for the covid-19 vaccine began in January, just days after the world became aware of the disease, when Chinese researchers published the genetic code for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Researching vaccines normally takes several years, but only ten months later, two companies have already presented results that exceed all expectations.

Many assessors have said that it is not a question of whether, but when, a working vaccine against covid-19 will be ready, and at the same time warned that the first vaccines may not be so effective.

But the first results from both Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna's studies show that the companies' vaccines seem to provide a high level of protection, around 95 percent, without causing serious side effects.

Many questions left

However, it is still too early to breathe.

Many questions remain, including how long the protection lasts.

The vaccines seem to be able to prevent serious illness, and in that case can save lives, but we do not know if they can completely stop people from becoming infected, which is a must to gain control over the spread of infection.

Both Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines are made using mRNA technology, which causes the body to produce the vaccine itself, which the immune system then reacts to.

The technology is new and untested and no mRNA vaccine has yet been approved for use, which may make people hesitant to take the syringes.

External evaluators, such as the world's pharmaceutical authorities, therefore need to examine the companies' results in detail before the vaccines can be used, and they must be followed up very carefully from a safety point of view.

The vaccines also need to be manufactured in sufficient quantities, which can take time, and their management can be a challenge.

Pfizer's vaccine needs to be stored in minus 70 degrees, and Modernas in a refrigerator temperature.

Historical research success

Eleven different vaccine candidates are currently in the final stages of testing, and more companies are expected to present their results soon, including AstraZeneca, which has already produced millions of doses of its vaccine.

If all goes well, Sweden's coordinator, Richard Bergström, believes that the vaccination of Swedes can start as early as January.

If that happens, researchers in one year have not only discovered and mapped a completely new disease but also found protection against it.

In that case, it is an achievement that is unparalleled in history.

Mortality nearly halved

In addition to vaccine research, other major medical advances are also being made.

Anyone who becomes seriously ill with covid-19 in Sweden today has a significantly greater chance of surviving than last spring.

According to an as yet unpublished study, based on data from the National Board of Health and Welfare, mortality among covid-19 patients in hospitals was almost halved between March and June this year.

In addition, the proportion of inpatients who needed intensive care decreased.

(https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.27.20220061v1) An important explanation for this is that healthcare has become increasingly better at treating covid-19 patients.

Among other things, most people who need hospital care for the infection now receive blood-thinning medication, as the virus has been shown to increase the risk of blood clots.

Cortisone drugs can also increase survival, if taken at the right time.

Long way to go

Even if vaccines are eventually introduced and healthcare improved, the pandemic is far from over.

The infection can still cause death and suffering for those affected.

It is important to persevere a good distance, because as you know, this is a marathon and not a sprint.

We may be able to guess the riot, but we are far from finished yet.