{"id":268255,"date":"2020-09-10T06:04:32","date_gmt":"2020-09-10T10:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=268255"},"modified":"2020-09-10T06:04:32","modified_gmt":"2020-09-10T10:04:32","slug":"5-ways-our-immune-responses-to-covid-vaccines-are-unique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/09\/10\/5-ways-our-immune-responses-to-covid-vaccines-are-unique\/","title":{"rendered":"5 ways our immune responses to COVID vaccines are unique"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We don\u2019t yet know whether reports of immune complications in one or two trial participants have been linked to the COVID-19 vaccine itself, or if they were given the placebo vaccine. (Pixabay photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Oxford vaccine trial at the centre of safety concerns<\/a> this week highlights the idea that people\u2019s immune systems respond to vaccines differently.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t yet know whether reports<\/a> of immune complications<\/a> in one or two trial participants have been linked to the COVID-19 vaccine itself, or if they were given the placebo vaccine.<\/p>\n

But it does highlight the importance of phase 3 clinical trials<\/a> in many thousands of people, across continents. These not only tell us whether a vaccine is safe, but also whether it works for people of different ages or with particular health issues.<\/p>\n

So what are some of the immune factors that determine whether any of the 180 or so COVID-19 vaccine candidates<\/a> being developed around the world actually work?<\/p>\n

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\nRead more:
\nHalting the Oxford vaccine trial doesn’t mean it’s not safe \u2013 it shows they’re following the right process<\/a>
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Our immune responses are all different<\/h2>\n

An effective vaccine should generate long-lasting protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.<\/p>\n

This can be by generating antibodies to neutralise<\/a> the virus and likely also by helping the immune system memorise and quickly respond to infection.<\/p>\n