In the past, you have studied enzymes and proteins which are essential to maintaining homeostasis in all living organisms. In this discussion, we will be examining the development of three different vaccines for Covid-19, all of which block spike proteins , also known as antigens, on the surface of the virus. These vaccines also stimulate our body’s immune system to develop a protein called an antibody, to provide long-lasting protection from the virus. The immune system is one of the many different body systems that will have been exploring. It is important that we examine the difference between vaccine-induced herd immunity and natural herd immunity. Finally, we will question and challenge Sweden’s controversial attempt to establish Covid -19 natural herd immunity.
What are your thoughts about Sweden’s approach to using natural herd immunity prior to the use of an approved vaccine? Why did the WHO disapprove of Sweden’s approach? How can such a high death rate be ethically justified?
There are 3 different approaches to the development of a Covid -19 vaccine but each approach targets the spike protein on the virus. Biotech/Pfizer is the first to develop a vaccine with a 90% effective rate. What do you believe are some of the risks and benefits associated with vaccines? Also, discuss some of the logistic difficulties of immunization.
Once the Pfizer vaccine receives emergency approval from the CDC , there will be a huge disparity between supply and demand. Which groups of individuals should receive priority vaccine administration and why?
ht
