In continuation to the scientific discussions on COVID-19 vaccines research, WHO R&D Blueprint in collaboration with CEPI and other COVAX partners had organized a consultation to identify vaccine research priorities so that vaccines can further contribute to achieve the control of the pandemic everywhere.
During the consultation global experts reviewed the available evidence, enumerated knowledge gaps, and outlined research priorities in terms of:
- Our understanding of the dynamics of disease transmission and the potential contribution of COVID-19 vaccines and other measures to control the pandemic, including in the context of the omicron variant of concern
- Current evidence and considerations regarding the administration of additional doses
- Novel approaches for evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines, including in the context of the omicron variant of concern
Introduction
Session 1. Understanding the threat posed by the omicron variant and the current dynamics of disease transmission
- Overview of COVID-19 Epidemiology including the Omicron variant in South Africa
- Increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection associated with emergence of the Omicron variant in South Africa
- Global sero-epidemiology: Natural immunity
- Global COVID-19 Epidemiology update including Omicron Variant
- Variants and vaccines: The TAG-COV, a WHO expert committee
Session 2. Updated evidence and considerations regarding variant-specific vaccines and administration of additional doses
- Observational evidence on vaccine effectiveness against the delta variant – latest results and risk of bias considerations
- Understanding SARS-CoV2 long term immune memory
- Immune responses post vaccination and their clinical relevance
- Research priorities related to the omicron variant
- Reference materials for analysis of vaccine serology response to VOCs
- CMC considerations in authorizing use of variant-specific vaccines
Panel discussion 2
Session 3. Assuming a variant-specific vaccine is needed and developed, what are the challenges and, how should we facilitate this process?
- It is time to make Pan-Sarbecovirus vaccines
- Challenges to develop and assess variant-specific vaccines
Panel discussion 3
Session 4. Approaches for evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines effectiveness
- WHO Target Product Profile for COVID Vaccines: current considerations
- Overview of various global efforts towards the identification of a protective level
- Immunobridging to evaluate vaccines (different doses and target populations)
- Defined thresholds versus ranges of immune responses: can then be used to evaluate new vaccines?
- Trial designs to evaluate additional vaccines
Remaining knowledge gaps
Watch the meeting recording here:
Links to useful information: