Really can’t remember where I’d seen this recommended and I’m a little late in reading another book about the pandemic, but glad I did… A really absorbing tale from the two people that designed the Oxford Astrazeneca COVID vaccine.
It basically follows the story chronologically from the start of Jan 2020 to late Dec, with some follow up chapters updating on the happenings through to the end of 2021.
The chapters’ authors alternate between Sarah Gilbert, the lead designer of the vaccine, and Catherine Green, the lead creater of the very early few batches for initial trials.
A few things really stand out. The sheer depth of skill, knowledge, and talent that made the vaccine possible; small teams of amazingly dedicated and committed scientists that leant on decades of experience.
The speed; from receiving the DNA sequence of the virus to first trial vaccine injected into an arm was 65 days. Just mind blowing.
The crazy need to hunt and chase funding, even as the pandemic accelerated. It seemed far too late into the process that the real big government money arrived, something that surely has to change.
The personal stories and commentary really humanise the book, and give even more reason to wanti to give them both a huge, huge thank you.
