VSV-ZEBOV may sound like a co-star in the next Star Wars film or the next generation-defining gadget to pop out of Apple’s labs, but its reality is even more fascinating.

Instead, VSV-ZEBOV is the first tested Ebola vaccine that may have the potential to eradicate the deadly disease once and for all. This news is huge, but before we get ahead ourselves there are some important points to know as this story develops.

1. This is how the vaccine should work: Scientists engineer a cattle virus, rVSV, to carry Ebola genes. These genes produce proteins that cause the body to produce Ebola antibodies. Lots of production and even more science!

2. Since testing the vaccine in a lab on Ebola patients would involve infecting those patients with Ebola (darn ethics), scientists have taken a different approach. Because scientists can’t see measure the effect on Ebola, they measured the production of antibodies produced by the body used to fight Ebola. These antibodies are like little biological soldiers trained in the ancient art of hand to hand Ebola combat. They’re what you want swimming through your veins if you have the disease.

3. The study was small with only 40 participants tested. BUT all 40 participants showed signs of the antibodies. That’s a big deal and cause for trials to move to larger groups in Liberia.

4. If you’ve ever gotten any vaccine, you’re probably not shocked that redness and pain at the injection site is a common side effect of the Ebola vaccine. Some experienced fever, but it eventually was under control.

5. A stronger version of the vaccine is in the works. I recommend the name VSV-ZEBOV ULTRON.

6. If you aced high school biology and are interested in understanding the measurement of T-cell challenges, whatever that means, you can read the phase 1 trials study.

While we’re still waiting to learn more about the vaccine, I do know I’m excited about it. You should be, too. Ebola claimed over 10,000 lives this past year, and this vaccine could ensure that never happens again. I commend you, science people who understand the big words in the above referenced study. Keep being awesome and changing the world.

Make sure world leaders are working just as hard as these scientists and go to TAKE ACTION NOW to sign the petition to make sure the fight against Ebola will continue and bring improved health systems to the region. 

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