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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

THE CHALLENGES FACED IN MAKING A VACCINE FOR COVID-19 — Part 2

Previously we’ve seen the difficulties researches face in trying to make a vaccine. But even if we make a vaccine, that’s just half the battle. Viruses are unique because they can mutate, and they can mutate to astonishing degrees. In humans mutations to tiny parts of our DNA can cause severe diseases or even death. In viruses mutations can change their structure, making them more infective and giving them a new coat. It gives them a survival advantage, the ability to evade our immune system and make our vaccines ineffective. This is why we need a new flu vaccine every year.

If it takes months to a year to develop a vaccine, it will be based off the virus found in December 2019. By this time the virus may have spread and mutated to such a degree that it is not effective. This does not mean all the effort was for nothing. Going through the steps and understanding the issues faced with making a COVID-19 vaccine can make the process quicker for subsequent vaccines against its mutated versions.

https://www.sciencealert.com/who-says-a-coronavirus-vaccine-is-18-months-away So Long to Develop a Vaccine

FAILURES FROM THE PAST

These issues were faced during the Ebola and Zika virus epidemics, and many large companies are understandably hesitant to develop vaccines for COVID-19. Ebola first broke out in 2014, and it was only in December 2019 that the first vaccine was approved for use by the European Commission and the United States. This is despite multiple large institutes in Canada and the UK working together to develop it.

13 different Ebola vaccine candidates had been identified soon after the outbreak, but none had been tested on humans. Unfortunately this is the most expensive part of development, and the area biopharmecuticals stand to loose the most money. Return on investments is also low, since epidemics usually take place in poorer countries, and the potential customers are unable to pay the high prices for these brand new treatments. It is an unfortunate realisation that research into medicines is driven by rich countries, for diseases that affect the rich.

https://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2016/06/16/why-did-the-market-fail-to-produce-an-ebola-vaccine Ebola

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

This is all well and good, but what does it mean for COVID-19? We know we cannot rush a vaccine, because a poorly designed vaccine with unknown side effects can cause more harm than good, especially if given to children or the elderly. Currently the WHO are tracking 31 different attempts at making a COVID-19 vaccine, using different methods as discussed before. All of these are currently in the pre-clinical stage, focusing on isolating parts of the virus and creating a target the body will recognise and react to.

Researchers at the University of Queensland were one of the first to start using the genetic code of COVID-19, released openly by Chinese researchers. They have developed a test vaccine within 6 weeks using state-of-the-art genetic techniques, used for the first time. If animal models prove successful then human testing might begin within 6 months. In the pharmaceutical industry advancements this quick are almost unheard of.

Additionally over 293 clinical trials are taking place in China using existing drugs on the market. The advantage is we already know these drugs are safe to use in humans, but we are trying to work out if they will work against COVID-19. Some scientists are also looking at medications that were initially developed against SARS and MERS, but never completed because these outbreaks died down and the medication was no longer required.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/china-recovered-develop-effective-covid-19-treatments-200302082850237.html COVID-19 treatments

https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/novel-coronavirus-landscape-ncov.pdf?ua=1 WHO news

https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/28/21156385/covid-coronavirus-vaccine-treatment-moderna-remdesivir-research COVID-19 treatment

Its not all doom and gloom. Challenges drive innovation, and we are already benefitting from this. New forms of genetic sequencing, new methods for extracting viral proteins, new techniques in creating a vaccine. These innovations are already benefitting us on the drive to create an effective vaccine for COVID-19, and they will benefit us in the future when the next pandemic hits.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, Product Manager Second Medic UK

www.secondmedic.com

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Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff: Building Stronger Connections for Better Health

Healthcare outcomes are shaped not only by medical treatments but also by trust, communication and community engagement. As healthcare systems in India move toward preventive and patient-centric models, initiatives that foster meaningful interaction between patients and healthcare professionals are gaining importance. One such initiative is the Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff.

A field day creates a shared space where patients and healthcare teams interact beyond clinical settings. These interactions humanise healthcare, improve understanding and encourage long-term wellness practices.

Why Community Engagement Matters in Healthcare

Modern healthcare recognises that health is influenced by behaviour, awareness and social support. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and NITI Aayog, community-based health engagement improves preventive care adoption and patient outcomes.

Field days help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients by:

encouraging open dialogue
reducing fear and hesitation
promoting shared responsibility for health

What Is a Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff?

A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is a structured wellness initiative organised outside the routine clinical environment. It focuses on interaction, education and preventive health activities.

Typical elements include:

basic health screenings
lifestyle education sessions
fitness or relaxation activities
informal conversations with healthcare staff
family and caregiver participation

The aim is to create a supportive and approachable healthcare experience.

Why Monthly Frequency Matters

Consistency is key in behaviour change and preventive health.

Monthly field days:

reinforce health messages regularly
build familiarity and trust
allow continuous follow-up
keep wellness top of mind

According to public health studies, repeated engagement significantly improves health literacy and adherence.

Benefits for Patients

1. Improved Health Awareness

Patients gain better understanding of:

chronic disease management
preventive screenings
nutrition and lifestyle habits

Education in informal settings improves retention.

2. Increased Comfort with Healthcare Teams

Regular interaction reduces anxiety and hesitation around seeking medical care.

Patients are more likely to:

ask questions
follow medical advice
attend follow-ups

3. Early Risk Identification

Field days often include basic screenings that help detect:

high blood pressure
elevated blood sugar
obesity risk

Early identification enables timely intervention.

4. Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing

Social interaction and community activities reduce feelings of isolation, especially among elderly or chronically ill patients.

Benefits for Healthcare Staff

1. Better Understanding of Patient Needs

Direct interaction outside clinical settings helps staff understand patient challenges more holistically.

2. Improved Communication Skills

Informal engagement strengthens empathy and communication effectiveness.

3. Reduced Burnout

Positive patient interaction and community appreciation contribute to staff morale and job satisfaction.

WHO recognises staff wellbeing as a critical factor in healthcare quality.

Role of Field Days in Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on reducing disease burden before complications arise. Field days support prevention by:

promoting routine screenings
encouraging healthy lifestyle habits
addressing myths and misconceptions
reinforcing long-term care plans

NITI Aayog identifies community engagement as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare strategies.

Activities Commonly Included in Field Days

Health Screening Stations

Blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI and basic assessments.

Wellness Education

Short talks on nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress.

Interactive Sessions

Q&A discussions with doctors, nurses and health educators.

Physical Activities

Group walks, yoga sessions or light exercises.

Family Engagement

Including caregivers improves adherence and support systems.

Impact on Chronic Disease Management

For patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, regular engagement:

improves medication adherence
reinforces lifestyle modification
reduces emergency visits

Lancet studies highlight that community-based interventions improve chronic disease outcomes.

Building Trust Through Transparency

Field days foster trust by:

making healthcare providers approachable
encouraging open dialogue
demonstrating commitment to patient wellbeing

Trust improves treatment adherence and satisfaction.

Role of Data and Feedback

Feedback collected during field days helps healthcare organisations:

identify common concerns
refine wellness programs
personalise future interventions

Data-driven engagement enhances program effectiveness.

Long-Term Impact on Healthcare Outcomes

Organisations that invest in regular patient-staff engagement observe:

higher patient satisfaction
improved preventive screening rates
reduced disease complications
stronger community relationships

According to WHO, patient-centred care models improve health outcomes and system efficiency.

Why Field Days Are Especially Relevant in India

India’s diverse population faces challenges such as:

limited health literacy
delayed care-seeking
chronic disease burden

Community-based initiatives like field days address these challenges through education and trust-building.

Conclusion

A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is more than a community event—it is a strategic preventive healthcare initiative. By fostering open communication, promoting health awareness and strengthening relationships, field days improve patient engagement and staff wellbeing alike. In a healthcare landscape increasingly focused on prevention and community trust, regular field days play a vital role in building healthier, more connected communities.

References

ICMR – Community Health and Preventive Care Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Health Awareness and Engagement Dat
NITI Aayog – Community-Based Preventive Healthcare Strategies
WHO – Patient-Centred Care and Community Health Guidelines
Lancet – Community Engagement and Health Outcome Studies
Statista – Healthcare Engagement and Preventive Care Trends India
EY-FICCI – Healthcare Workforce and Patient Engagement Reports

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