A lack of funding and political will is hampering efforts to develop the next generation of vaccines that could protect millions of people from emerging new pathogens, experts have warned.
The next wave of vaccines is intended to improve on the Covid-19 jabs rolled out in late 2020 by offering longer-lasting or broader protection against a variety of variants and, potentially, other coronaviruses. The focus is on alternative products such as nasal sprays, inhalers and tablets, making them easier to administer, manufacture or distribute.
But the sense of urgency from politicians and policymakers that propelled the swift development of the first Covid-19 vaccines is not being replicated. Critics blame a mixture of public apathy, disputes over funding and the politicisation of the pandemic response.