Development of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 (2020)

This is a good overview of the background and concerns regarding the five types of vaccine being developed.

In short:

1. DNA/RNA vaccines use fragments of genetic material made in the lab. (Moderna, Pfizer)

2. Virus vector vaccines use a modified version of a different virus to induce an appropriate immune response. (AstraZeneca)

3. Inactivated vaccines use a virus killed by heat/chemicals/radiation. They stimulate a much weaker immune response than live vaccines so require multiple boosters. (Sinovac)

4. Live-attenuated vaccines contain a viable but weakened virus that does not cause disease. They give the best protection.

5. Protein subunit vaccines are made from pieces of the virus (protein antigens) that trigger an immune response. They may require boosters. (Novavax)

I think it might make discussion of vaccines here more productive if we keep in mind the distinguishing characteristics of each type when debating the merits of any particular COVID-19 vaccine.