10/31/2014

Ebola Vaccines Fast-Tracked As Outbreak Slows

11:42 minutes

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa appears to have hit a lull, with Doctors Without Borders reporting empty beds in clinics that just weeks ago were overflowing with sick patients. Meanwhile, two candidate vaccines are rushing through human trials, with field tests slated to begin in Africa as early as December. Jon Cohen, a staff writer covering the outbreak for Science magazine, says that despite the vaccines’ success in monkeys, their efficacy in humans is far from guaranteed.

Segment Guests

Jon Cohen

Jon Cohen is a senior correspondent for Science. He’s based in Cardiff, California.

Meet the Producer

About Christopher Intagliata

Christopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.