Covid-19 vaccines
We explain how Covid-19 vaccines work, and how we're supporting vaccine research, development and distribution around the world.
Covid-19: supporting global research and development
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we called for urgent international action to get lifesaving tests, treatments and vaccines from the laboratory to the front line, so they could reach those most in need around the world.
This web page was last updated in 2021. The information provided here may not reflect current developments or research.
What we're doing
Covid-19 treatments
Find out about the latest progress on Covid-19 treatments, and how we're supporting work to develop and bring them to people, as soon as possible.
Equitable access to vaccines, tests and treatments for Covid-19
We're working with the ACT-Accelerator and other international partners to make sure that any Covid-19 vaccines, tests and treatments benefit the whole world.
Covid-19 research we've funded
We're funding a range of Covid-19 research, from the development of treatments and vaccines, to support for low- and-middle income countries.
Data sharing during Covid-19
Together with a range of partners, we’re calling on funding bodies, journals and research organisations to share research findings and data relevant to the Covid-19 outbreak. Read the joint statement.
We’ve commissioned Research Consulting to conduct a study to investigate the impact of requirements for the rapid and open sharing of research findings and data in public health emergencies. You can find out more about the study on the Research Consulting website.
What you can do
Governments and international organisations must continue to invest in the research and development of tests, treatments and vaccines. And they must support fair access to these lifesaving tools – so they are available to those most in need everywhere.
To achieve this, $16.8 billion is needed in 2021. Investing now, at scale and as a collective global effort, is the only way to save lives, reduce the spread of Covid-19 and bring societies and economies back on track.
Governments and private and philanthropic funders can support research into and equitable access to Covid-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.
Latest news and explainers
From equality to global poverty: the Covid-19 effects on societies and economies
5-minute read
The Covid-19 pandemic is a social and an economic crisis just as much as it is a health one – its repercussions, severe and far-reaching, are being felt across the world.
Covid-19 vaccines: information hub
A collection of quick and simple resources on how Covid-19 vaccines work, how we know they're safe, and how they can be distributed to everyone around the world.
What treatments are working for Covid-19?
10-minute read
From existing antivirals to new antibody therapies – researchers are working tirelessly to find the best drugs to treat Covid-19.
Wellcome statements on Covid-19
Reports
Across the world, there are unacceptable disparities in access to Covid-19 vaccines, leaving many vulnerable people unprotected. This paper considers this challenge and sets out the action needed by G20 countries and vaccine manufacturers to rapidly increase global vaccination rates, with the aim of reaching 70% of the population in every country by June 2022.
Work with us
We’d love to hear from you on how we can work together to change the course of the pandemic.
- For partnerships, contact epidemics@wellcome.org.
- For media enquiries, contact mediaoffice@wellcome.org.
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- Join our conversations on Twitter.
Information for grant applicants and grantholders
Here's what you need to know if you're applying for one of our research grants, or hold a Wellcome grant.