According to WHO, there are a total of 155 new coronavirus vaccines under development worldwide, of which 23 have entered the clinical trial stage, at least 3 vaccines are currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, and at least 3 vaccines have completed phase 2 trials and are about to enter phase 3 (see the figure below for details).

A Phase 1 study typically studies a small number of people, normally 20-80 persons and focuses on whether a vaccine is safe and induces an immune response.

In Phase 2, the clinical study is expanded to several hundred persons and studies the safety, immunogenicity, recommended dosage, immunization schedule and methods of vaccination of candidate vaccinesA Phase 1 study typically studies a small number of people, normally 20-80 persons and focuses on whether a vaccine is safe and induces an immune response.

In Phase 3, the vaccine is given to thousands of people and the key goal is to evaluate the efficacy and again for safety.

The good news is all the above vaccines are now showing positive results.

The COVID-19 vaccine, as the most effective method to prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus, could be available by year end or early next year. But before getting vaccinated, keep social distancing, wear face mask and wash hands frequently can still be the best ways to protect the public from getting infected.

For government, finding (using rapid test kits) and tracking (using tracking app) could be much helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19.