Jump directly to the content

What is the new coronavirus vaccine and who will get it?

THE UK government has struck a deal with pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur for a new coronavirus vaccine.

The deal gives the UK early access to 60 million doses.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

The UK government has invested in 60 million doses of a new vaccine candidate
The UK government has invested in 60 million doses of a new vaccine candidateCredit: Hartmut Boesener

What is the new coronavirus vaccine?

The new vaccine being developed by GSK and Sanofi is based on the DNA of the virus.



Human clinical studies of the vaccine will begin in September followed by a Phase 3 study in December 2020.



The vaccine

Sanofi is making the vaccine itself.

To do so, scientists have changed the DNA of the virus to make it harmless but otherwise identical to the real virus.

It will effectively act as a dummy to trigger and train your immune system.

This causes the body to generate antibodies designed specifically for that virus, which then destroy the real virus when it is encountered.

The vaccine is harmless and cannot give you coronavirus.

The Sanofi vaccine differs from the Oxford vaccine, which is made from a virus (ChAdOx1), which is a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) that causes infections in chimpanzees.

The chimp cold virus has been genetically changed so that it is impossible for it to replicate and infect humans.

The vaccine is expected to begin human trials in September
The vaccine is expected to begin human trials in SeptemberCredit: AP:Associated Press

GlaxoSmithKlein's adjuvant technology

An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps create a stronger immune response in people receiving the dose, according to the US CDC.

In other words, adjuvants help vaccines work better.

GSK's press release explains: "GSK’s pandemic adjuvant can reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, which allows more vaccine doses to be produced, contributing to protecting more people.

"Additionally, an adjuvant can enhance the immune response and has been shown to create a stronger and longer-lasting immunity against infections."

Who will get it?


The rest will be distributed later on to those who need it most.


Here's a quick Q&amp;A about vaccines:

CAN we get a vaccine?


WHAT’S the UK doing?


HOW will it be produced?


WHEN will one be available?


IS there a drug to treat the coronavirus?


HOW does it work?


IS it a game changer?


WHO is looking for a drug cure?

There are around 300 clinical trials going on worldwide.

Are there any other vaccines?






Dr Sarah Jarvis praises the Government for signing a deal with pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur for 60 million doses of a potential covid-19 vaccine