How to research, trial and make a vaccine for COVID-19
The Agenda
02:27

It's all very well needing a vaccine, but how do scientists really start their search for the almost impossible? 

A vaccine containing weakened bacteria or protein mimicking a virus enters the body. After several days, your body starts to produce antibodies to protect you. These antibodies are specific for this virus and your body remembers them. If you are exposed to the virus in future your body is now primed to respond quickly.

Here's The Agenda's guide to how a vaccine prevents a patient from contracting a virus, the research needed to design a vaccine right through to mass production.