An effective coronavirus vaccine could require multiple doses, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said on Wednesday.
“None of the vaccines at this point appear like they’ll work with a single dose,” Gates told CBS News. “That was the hope at the very beginning.”
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed more than $250 million to fight COVID-19. The charitable foundation boosted the contribution after Gates criticized President Trump’s decision to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Gates told CBS News that a coronavirus vaccine requires a global effort.
“If what you’re trying to do is block all the transmission, then you need to get 70 to 80 percent coverage on a global basis. So it’s unbelievably big numbers,” he told the outlet.
Gates also assured that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will closely examine the safety of the eventual vaccine.
“The FDA, not being pressured, will look hard at that,” Gates said of possible side effects. “The FDA is the gold standard of regulators, and their current guidance on this – if they stick with that – is very very appropriate.”
Gates’ comments come after coronavirus vaccine developers warned last month that the eagerly awaited vaccine may not grant full immunity after just one dose. The shots may need to be administered one month apart, with a booster following several years later, experts said. – READ MORE
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