Vaccines stimulate one’s immune system to produce antibodies which give you immunity to that specific virus. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that usually cause mild to moderate illnesses such as the common cold. Indeed, as many as 20% of common colds are caused by coronaviruses. The virus that causes COVID-19 is not the first deadly coronavirus outbreak, and scientists say it won't be the last. Since the mid-1960s, seven different coronavirus outbreaks have been identified in humans. In 2002, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) with a 10% fatality rate was discovered. Then came MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) with a 34% fatality rate. In 2019, SARS-CoV-2 known as COVID-19 - along with its variants - has wreaked havoc on the entire world. As of October 2022, at least 97 million Americans have contracted this disease and COVID has taken the lives of 1.06 million of our people. Researchers worry it is only a matter of time before a more virulent and fatal strain of the coronavirus will jump from animal species to humans. Biotech companies worldwide are now working on developing a universal coronavirus vaccine which will protect us against all strains of viruses within the coronavirus family. Some of their results have already reached trial stages.

Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction S.286 - Coronavirus Vaccine Act (117th Congress 2021-2022)
Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Edward Markey (MA)