Analysis

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Factual: Politics

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad.

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Analysis: Can we create a universal Covid vaccine?

Universal Vaccines

Can we create a universal Covid vaccine?

BBC Radio 4 - Analysis, Can we create a universal Covid vaccine?

Can scientists develop a vaccine which can combat the coronavirus and all its variants?

Can scientists develop a vaccine against coronaviruses and variants we know about, and the ones we have yet to meet?

Can scientists develop a vaccine which can combat the coronavirus and all its variants? There have been three lethal outbreaks caused by coronaviruses this century: SARS in 2002, MERS in 2012 and now SarsCov2. Scientists predict we will eventually encounter SarsCov3. That’s why the race is on to develop a universal vaccine to combat the coronaviruses and variants we know about, and the ones we have yet to confront. But attempts to create a universal vaccine for viruses such as influenza and HIV have been going on for decades - without success. 

Before 2020, proposals to create a vaccine against coronaviruses were not thought important enough to pursue since many just cause the common cold.  Now that we understand their real threat, can scientists succeed in creating a vaccine to fight this large family of viruses,?

Produced and presented by Sandra Kanthal
Editor: Emma Close
Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele and Jacqui Johnson
Sound: James Beard and Rod Farquhar

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Analysis

Can we create a universal Covid vaccine?

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4