Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine

Is There an Approved COVID-19 Vaccine?

At this time, there is no COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in the United States. There are a variety of immunizations that are in various stages of trials and testing. See our status section below for more information.

When Will a COVID-19 Vaccine Be Available?

Some estimates point to a COVID-19 vaccine being approved as soon as late-2020. The immunization will then go into mass production to provide as many people as possible with protection against the virus. Many experts believe it will be widely available by the end of March 2021.

How Much Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Cost?

It is currently unknown how much the COVID-19 vaccine may cost. Some estimates point to similar pricing as a flu shot to help increase the number of individuals protected against the virus. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Where Will I Be Able to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine When It Is Available?

Distribution methods for the COVID-19 vaccine are still being considered. It is likely that immunization clinics, like Passport Health, will have the vaccine available when it comes to market. Be sure to check back for more information.

What Is the Status of COVID-19 Vaccine Projects?

There are over 150 COVID-19 vaccines currently in development. Of those, only eight are in phase 3 trials. This means the vaccines are safe to use, but must protect at least 50 percent of people in their studies. The immunizations at this stage are:

• Moderna / National Institutes of Health – Moderna’s RNA based vaccine has proved effective in trials on monkeys. Human trials began in March showing some promising results. Since then, the vaccine has moved into phase 3 trials, enrolling 30,000 healthy U.S. citizens across the country. The U.S. government has already purchased 100 million doses of the vaccine, contingent on it being effective.
• Biontech / Pfizer / Fosun Pharma – This vaccine entered phase 1 trials in May 2020. Early results have been good, showing the body creating T cells which help fight and protect against infection. Some trial participants experienced mild to moderate side effects including sleep disturbances and sore arms. Phase 3 trials are ongoing in Argentina, Brazil, Germany and the United States. Again, a deal has been reached with the group to purchase 100 million doses, contingent on the results of the phase 3 trial.
• CanSinoBIO / Academy of Military Medical Sciences (China) – Developed by a biotech company in partnership with the Chinese military, this vaccine is now entering phase 3 trials in Saudi Arabia. In June, the Chinese military approved the vaccine for internal use as a ‘specially needed drug’. It is unclear whether it will be mandatory or optional for soldiers.
• AstraZeneca / University of Oxford – In development in Europe, this vaccine has showed early positive results in preventing COVID-19 with no severe side effects. It is in phase 3 trials in Brazil, South Africa and the U.S. The European Union has ordered 400 million doses, contingent on positive phase 3 results.
• Wuhan Institute of Biological Products – Now entering phase 3 trials in the United Arab Emirates, this immunization’s trials have not been issue free. Participants in phase 1 and 2 studies reported fevers and other side effects. The organization believes it can improve the vaccine and have it ready for the public by the end of 2020.
• Beijing Institute of Biological Products – This vaccine is being tested alongside the Wuhan Institute immunization in the UAE. Half are receiving this immunization while the other half the Wuhan Institute version.
• Sinovac Biotech – A private Chinese company, Sinova’s CoronaVac passed phase 1 and 2 testing with no adverse effects and provided protection. The vaccine is now in phase 3 trials in Brazil. The company believes it could manufacture up to 100 million doses annually once approved for use.
• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute – This organization is conducting a phase 3 trial to see if the BCG (tuberculosis) vaccine can be used to help protect against coronavirus. The vaccine helps bolster the immune system and does not directly protect against the virus.

For more information about the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination development efforts, see the New York Times’s Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker.

On This Page:
Is There an Approved COVID-19 Vaccine?
When Will a COVID-19 Vaccine Be Available?
How Much Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Cost?
Where Will I Be Able to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine When It Is Available?
What Is the Status of COVID-19 Vaccine Projects?