Whole-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: from fear to hope

Abstract

Undoubtedly, vaccination can be one of the promising approaches to control infectious diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Inactivated viral vaccines have a history of "vaccine-induced enhanced disease", which may occur when neutralizing antibodies bind to viral antigens without blocking or clearing the infection. This can cause additional inflammation through the mechanisms described for other respiratory pathogens and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Since the structure and function of SARS-CoV-2 glycoproteins are well known, vaccine manufacturers appear to be careful when inactivating the virus to completely inactivate and maintain the viral epitopes necessary for protective immune induction. It seems that caution should be taken in the usage of inactivated vaccines in children to ensure they are safe and efficacious, vaccinated children should be well monitored and any symptoms should be reported immediately.