Next-gen COVID shots: Cheaper, effective against more viruses

Scientists created safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 at an unprecedented speed. But, according to industry leaders, the next generation of COVID shots will be low in cost, easier to deliver and preserve and effective against more viruses, media reports said on Tuesday.

Washington: Scientists created safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 at an unprecedented speed. But, according to industry leaders, the next generation of COVID shots will be low in cost, easier to deliver and preserve and effective against more viruses, media reports said on Tuesday. The pharma companies aim to develop shots that will be more effective against certain variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that causes COVID-19, or even cover all viruses in the larger coronavirus family, the USA Today reported. The new vaccines, currently being tested, will be of a single dose, do not require to be kept cold, have fewer side effects, can be produced more efficiently, and can be delivered without needles. This will enable it to be provided in rural areas and the developing world.