Vaccine Manufacturer: "COVID-19 Vaccine, Annual Shots? ... Possible Supply as Early as This Fall"

AstraZeneca CEO Outlook
If Everything Goes Smoothly, Launch Possible in October or November This Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] There are concerns that even if a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is developed, annual vaccination may be necessary to maintain immunity. However, if all processes go smoothly, vaccine supply could begin as early as October or November this year.

AstraZeneca [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, said in an interview with CNBC on the 30th (local time), "Most vaccine developers aim for a two-dose regimen for the initial vaccination, and considering the technologies we are currently using related to SARS1, immunity may last about 12 to 18 months." This suggests that annual vaccination might be required to maintain immunity.

However, he added, "The truth is, we do not know (about the vaccination intervals, etc.)," pointing out that "this virus is very unpredictable."

AstraZeneca, which is currently regarded as leading in vaccine development, aims to launch the vaccine in October this year. The company stated that Phase 3 clinical trials are underway in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa, and will soon be conducted in the United States as well.

CEO Soriot explained, "If everything goes well, vaccines will be supplied in October or November," adding, "The goal is to supply to everyone worldwide simultaneously."

AstraZeneca, developing the vaccine together with Oxford University, is currently securing a supply chain targeting 2 billion doses. Of these, 400 million doses will be supplied to Europe, and the remaining 400 million doses will be prioritized for supply to the United States, the UK, and other countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.