Coronavirus: First COVID-19 vaccine might not be the best one, says Bill Gates

Coronavirus: First COVID-19 vaccine might not be the best one, says Bill Gates   

<p>While optimistic about a coronavirus vaccine being ready by early next year, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, now a philanthropist backing several global public health initiatives, has said that the first vaccine might not be the best one.</p>

While optimistic about a coronavirus vaccine being ready by early next year, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, now a philanthropist backing several global public health initiatives, has said that the first vaccine might not be the best one.

<p>In an interview with Bloomberg agency, Gates said more effective vaccines might take a little longer to develop and would become available only much later.<br />&nbsp;</p>

In an interview with Bloomberg agency, Gates said more effective vaccines might take a little longer to develop and would become available only much later.

<p>“The initial vaccine, in terms of its effectiveness against sickness and transmission, won’t be ideal and may not have a long duration,” Gates was quoted as saying.</p>

“The initial vaccine, in terms of its effectiveness against sickness and transmission, won’t be ideal and may not have a long duration,” Gates was quoted as saying.

<p>He said he thought the first vaccines might only be a ‘stop-gap’ offer available primarily to the rich countries.</p>

He said he thought the first vaccines might only be a ‘stop-gap’ offer available primarily to the rich countries.

<p>Through Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has provided financial support to several leading vaccine candidates including the one being developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University.</p>

Through Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has provided financial support to several leading vaccine candidates including the one being developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University.