Top scientist claims we may need TWO coronavirus vaccines to protect the whole population - and relying on just one could leave millions at risk

  • There are more than 100 potential COVID-19 vaccines currently in development
  • The first lot are expected to vary in specific ways to prevent sickness in people  
  • Prof Tony Cunningham said there needs to be a separate vaccine for the eldery
  • Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19

By Australian Associated Press

Published: | Updated:

A top scientist has warned that two coronavirus vaccines may need to be developed so elderly people aren't left vulnerable to the deadly virus.   

There are more than 100 potential vaccines in development, with up to 20 of those progressing.

The first crop is expected to vary in the specific way it protects people from becoming sick, University of Sydney Professor Tony Cunningham said.

But the infectious diseases physician, clinical virologist and scientist - who is renowned for his research on the immunobiology of HIV and herpes viruses - said any vaccine should be tailored for different age groups.

There are more than 100 potential vaccines in development, with up to 20 of those progressing. The first crop is expected to vary in the specific way it protects people from becoming sick (stock image)

There are more than 100 potential vaccines in development, with up to 20 of those progressing. The first crop is expected to vary in the specific way it protects people from becoming sick (stock image)

Teams around the world are racing to find protection against the illness that has brought the global economy to a halt and killed more than 250,000 people. 

A vaccine could either drastically reduce transmission, or have a partial affect, Professor Cunningham explained.

'The worry then is you'll have a vulnerable population,' he told AAP.

'So we should be looking in parallel to ensure we actually do produce vaccines aimed at the ageing.

'They may be more difficult and take longer to produce.'

Some vaccines, including the flu vaccine, are already tailor-made for different demographics, such as children and people aged over 65. 

But an infectious diseases physician, clinical virologist and scientist, University of Sydney Professor Tony Cunningham. said any vaccine should be tailored for different age groups (stock photo)

But an infectious diseases physician, clinical virologist and scientist, University of Sydney Professor Tony Cunningham. said any vaccine should be tailored for different age groups (stock photo)

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Top scientist claims we may need TWO coronavirus vaccines to protect the whole population

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