A vaccine normally shows viruses and bacteria to the body’s immune system so it can learn how to fight it should the body get infected. The most common method of immunisation is using a weakened version of the original virus.

However, scientists working on a coronavirus vaccine are using a new method called ‘plug and play’: by using the genetic code of the virus, scientists can build a vaccine from scratch. They lift the genetic code into a more harmless virus, making it possible to inject without infecting anyone.

Currently, researchers have come far enough to test the new vaccines on animals. It will then most likely be ready mid-way through next year, since more tests will have to be done before the vaccine can be approved.

While the vaccine will help younger people, it will most likely not be as successful in older people. This is common with other flu shots as well.

Until the vaccine is available, practicing good hygiene is still the best way to prevent an infection. There are also anti-viral drugs being used in clinical trials at the moment, but the results are not clear yet.