Figure 1: Map of IHP
Our Integrated Health Program (IHP) comprises three key components: background
research, community involvement, and educational initiatives. To enhance our grasp of bivalent vaccines for
Norovirus and Rotavirus, we conducted interviews with three esteemed experts and doctors, and also paid a
visit to a vaccine manufacturing facility. These efforts were crucial in deepening our understanding of both
the viruses and the vaccines.
Furthermore, we conducted surveys to gauge public opinions and attitudes
towards Norovirus and the associated vaccines. In addition to this, we undertook comprehensive education
campaigns, both online and offline, aimed at disseminating knowledge on topics such as preventive measures
against Norovirus and Rotavirus infection. These endeavors were instrumental in raising awareness and
ensuring that vital information reached a wider audience.
Figure 2a&b: L
aboratory
tour
Figure 3a&b: Business plan presentation
During our visit to the laboratory workshop of Guangdong South China Vaccine
Co., LTD., we engaged in extensive discussions with the laboratory manager in charge.
Subsequently, when we traveled to Guangdong South China Vaccine Company
Limited, we presented our business plan and products to the company's chairman and other senior leaders. The
chairman generously offered invaluable advice, which we promptly incorporated into our business plan.
Following this exchange, we conducted an insightful interview with him, yielding substantial insights into
the vaccine market and sales strategies. Additionally, we were guided on a tour of the company's laboratory
by their staff, during which we posed pertinent professional questions.
This field trip proved immensely educational. We garnered insights into
various aspects, ranging from the scale of laboratories in publicly-listed companies to the costs of
different production equipment, as well as the protocols governing laboratory operations. Moreover, the
manager provided us with solutions to queries that had arisen during our prior laboratory experiments, such
as the occurrence of foam during cell sonication.
Recognizing that we still have a considerable journey ahead of us before
becoming a fully-fledged company, we are buoyed by the experiences gained during this trip and are more
determined than ever to persevere.
Survey Overview (HJS):
Our team conducted an online survey using a tool called Sojump to gain deeper
insights into the public's knowledge about Norovirus and Rotavirus. Additionally, we aimed to gauge the
general acceptance of vaccines and determine the ideal price range for them. The two questionnaires we
devised provided us with detailed information, enhancing our understanding of the project's focal points.
Distribution (LZ / ZXT):
To broaden the reach of our survey, team members disseminated the
questionnaires among their networks, including friends, relatives, fellow students, and members of the
community. Ultimately, we amassed 472 responses for the first questionnaire and 127 for the second
questionnaire, given the constraints of time.
The pie chart derived from our questionnaire survey depicts a diverse
distribution among respondents in terms of age groups. Specifically, 28.6% of participants fell within the
30-49 age bracket, while 23.52% were under 18 years old. Additionally, 13.98% represented the 18-29 age
group, and 19.28% fell within the 40-49 age range. It's worth noting that the majority of responses were
gathered from individuals in Guangdong province, leading us to base our data interpretations on the southern
region of China.
Figure 4:
Which age group does you belong to?
Regarding the level of familiarity with Rotavirus, the findings are notable. A
significant majority, accounting for 51.91%, indicated that they had no prior knowledge of Rotavirus. About
28.39% of respondents mentioned having heard of it, while 17.8% claimed to possess a basic understanding.
These results underscore the necessity for increased public awareness regarding Rotavirus.
Figure 5:
How much do you know about norovirus?
The graph depicts that the main difficulty for the public is that there's too
few methods or platform to get such information (58.47%). Besides, telling apart real and fake information
can also be a problem. Only about one in ten of people have no problem. Hence, we need to enhance the
propaganda of information on norovirus and rotavirus in various platforms.
figure 6:
What difficulties you may encounter while learning about norovirus/rotavirus?
When we asked them what they thought was important to know about norovirus,
most of them showed a strong desire to know about it,which account for 95.34%.
Figure 7:
Do you think it's important to know about norovirus.
Question 2 analysis: Public Awareness and Acceptance of Vaccine Products
Examining the pie chart data, it becomes evident that the respondents in this
sample predominantly fall within the middle-aged demographic, with individuals aged 40-49 constituting the
highest proportion at 31.5%. The data also reveals a prevailing willingness among the majority to undergo
vaccination, with a relatively high percentage of individuals expressing either a very accepting or
moderately accepting stance, amounting to 82.68%. Conversely, only a minuscule fraction of respondents
demonstrated little or no acceptance of vaccines. The question posed was: "What is your attitude toward
vaccination?"
Figure 8:
What is your attitude toward vaccination?
When inquiring about public acceptance of vaccinations for infants and young
children, the responses were as follows: 33.86% expressed a high level of acceptance, 41.73% indicated a
moderate level of acceptance, and 11.81% reported a general level of acceptance. Conversely, a minority held
a less accepting stance, with 2.36% expressing low acceptance and none indicating complete non-acceptance.
In summary, the majority of respondents displayed a favorable attitude towards vaccinating infants and young
children. This indicates a widespread awareness of the significance of vaccines and a willingness to undergo
vaccination for the well-being of infants and children.
Figure 9:
What is your attitude of having your infant/children vaccinated?
Based on the data gathered from 127 respondents who completed the
single-choice survey, a substantial majority (67.93%) expressed willingness to pay for the vaccine.
Regarding their price expectations, over half of the respondents envisioned vaccines falling within the
range of 50 to 100 yuan, constituting 44.09% of the total. This suggests that a significant portion of the
population deems this price range as both reasonable and acceptable.
However, a notable 25.98% of respondents believed that the anticipated vaccine
price should be below 50 yuan. This may indicate a desire for more affordability to ensure broader
accessibility. Furthermore, 18.11% of respondents opined that the ideal vaccine price should range from 100
to 200 yuan, possibly reflecting the view that vaccines are a crucial health product and should thus carry a
relatively higher cost.
In summary, respondents demonstrated diverse expectations regarding vaccine
pricing, with the majority favoring a range between 50 and 100 yuan as reasonable and acceptable. These
insights can serve as valuable reference points for shaping our pricing strategy for oral vaccines.
Figure 10:
What is the expected price of vaccination in your mind?
Regarding the satisfaction levels with the currently available rotavirus
vaccine in the market, 10.24% of respondents deemed its effectiveness as "very good," while 44.88%
considered it to be "acceptable." Additionally, 37.01% of respondents expressed uncertainty about its
effectiveness. This indicates that a majority of respondents hold a positive view of the existing rotavirus
vaccine, but a notable proportion harbors doubts or uncertainties regarding its efficacy. It is imperative
to delve further into the understanding of respondents who expressed uncertainty about the vaccine,
discerning their knowledge levels and reasons for their reservations. This underscores the need to
substantiate the safety and effectiveness of our products before introducing them to the market.
Figure 11:
How satisfied are you with the rotavirus vaccines currently available on the
market?
Background:
Dr.
L
i
Aifang possesses extensive knowledge
about epidemic diseases affecting infants and young children. She demonstrates a comprehensive understanding
of virus pathogenicity, infection routes, population-specific symptoms, and treatment modalities.
Figure 12: Interview with Dr. Li
Summary:
This interview provided invaluable insights into the virus's background,
including onset timelines, infection patterns, and vaccine availability. It was revealed that both viruses
exhibit seasonal transmission, with rotavirus typically surfacing in winter, and norovirus prevalent from
October to March. These viruses primarily target infants aged six months to three years, who have lower
resistance. Symptoms range from mild diarrhea to severe dehydration, potentially leading to shock,
electrolyte imbalances, and organ damage.
Furthermore, Dr. Li emphasized the necessity of obtaining oral vaccines from
specialized vaccination facilities, strictly prohibiting unauthorized administration. Additionally, due to
concerns over potential side effects like vomiting in infants, most parents opt not to vaccinate their
children. Notably, these vaccines, classified as live attenuated, contain trace amounts of toxins. Moreover,
they are not government-mandated, incurring an extra cost of 100 yuan for vaccination.
Dr. Li also mentioned that hospitals conduct regular lectures to disseminate
virus prevention knowledge and distribute informational brochures. She expressed support for our research
project, recognizing that a bivalent oral vaccine not only reduces skin infections but also alleviates the
strain on hospitals and potentially lowers vaccine costs.
In conclusion, this interview yielded valuable insights, and we extend sincere
gratitude to Dr. Li for her willingness to share her expertise.
5.1
Prof
. Han Zhenggang
Background:
Prof
. Han Zhenggang is an esteemed associate professor and master tutor at Wuhan
University of Light Industry. With a background in virology and a PhD from the University of Luebeck,
Germany, he provided invaluable insights during the early stages of our project.
Figure 13: Interview with Dr. Han
Summary:
The interview with Professor Han Zhenggang has enriched our knowledge base
significantly. Not only did we gain a deeper understanding of vaccine research, but his professional advice
also proved invaluable for our subsequent laboratory work.
First and foremost, Professor Han elucidated the primary challenges in
Norovirus vaccine production. This encompasses the inefficiency of in vitro Norovirus growth, owing to the
absence of a cost-effective medium for experiments. Consequently, this raises production costs, acting as a
barrier for researchers and potential patients. Additionally, he highlighted the low immune response levels
towards Norovirus antigen proteins in the human body, resulting in reduced antibody production and
short-term effective immunity.
Moreover, Professor Han provided a comprehensive overview of current Rotavirus
vaccine production, comparing the merits and demerits of various forms available in the market. For
instance, oral vaccines are more conducive to achieving herd immunity due to their accessibility and
convenience, bypassing the need for professional administration, unlike injectable vaccines. However,
certain viruses may require intramuscular or subcutaneous vaccines based on their mode of infection. In the
context of our research, the bivalent Norovirus and Rotavirus vaccine could leverage the advantages of oral
administration.
The interview also shed light on public preferences for vaccines. Scientific
data, such as higher efficacy rates and longer-lasting immune effects, can sway individuals towards a
particular vaccine. Additionally, endorsements from healthcare professionals and public advertising play
pivotal roles in building trust and recognition for a specific vaccine, insights that can inform our online
and offline educational initiatives.
Crucially, Professor Han provided feedback on our experimental design. He
commended the innovative nature of our bivalent vaccine targeting both Norovirus and Rotavirus, highlighting
the potential to address current demands and thrive in the vaccine market. He cautioned about the
competitive dynamics between the two vaccines within the human body, emphasizing the importance of balancing
the strength of each virus antigen to ensure an equitable immune response and, consequently, the
effectiveness of the vaccine product.
In conclusion, our discussion with Professor Han covered a wide range of
topics, from the challenges in Norovirus vaccine production to the nuances of different vaccine forms,
factors influencing public vaccine choices, and valuable feedback for our project. This opportunity proved
to be truly invaluable.
5.2
Dr.
Peng Tao
Background:
Mr. Peng Tao serves as the Chairman of South China Vaccine Co., Ltd. and is a
prominent figure in vaccine research and development in the southern region of China. His extensive
expertise has been instrumental in our vaccine development efforts, providing invaluable professional
guidance.
Figure 14a&b: Interview with Dr. Peng
Summary:
The interview with Chairman Peng Tao yielded a wealth of valuable insights. It
not only enhanced our understanding of the methodologies and professional knowledge required for vaccine
development, but also shed light on the post-development processes that vaccines must undergo. The expert
advice imparted during the interview proved instrumental in guiding our subsequent experimental endeavors.
Chairman Peng Tao emphasized that the fundamental role of a vaccine is to
activate our immune system, enabling it to recognize virus specificity prior to infection and generate
immunity to thwart virus intrusion. Developing an effective vaccine necessitates a profound comprehension of
how viruses cause diseases, understanding the mechanisms of viral immunity, and discerning how to
effectively engage with the human immune system. Additionally, it entails crafting a vaccine that is robust
and resistant to viral breaches. From the developmental phase to the market release, a vaccine must undergo
three clinical trials and undergo rigorous market surveillance and testing to ensure it meets predefined
standards of efficacy and safety.
Furthermore, Mr. Peng Tao offered insightful suggestions for refining our
financial statements. He underscored that vaccine development marks not the end but a crucial juncture in
the process. Before deployment, vaccines must navigate through three rigorous clinical trials, a process
that entails substantial costs. Securing investment becomes a pivotal task. Mr. Peng Tao emphasized that the
initial step in attracting investors is to craft a compelling business plan. A capable and steadfast team,
coupled with a compelling idea, holds great appeal for potential investors.
5
.
3
Co
mparison between different expert
Dr.
Li
Aifang provided valuable insights into the background and practical aspects of
dealing with infant and young children's epidemic diseases, focusing on Norovirus and Rotavirus.
Prof
.
Han Zhenggangn, with an
international education background, offered detailed technical insights into vaccine production challenges
and public preferences for vaccines.
Chairman Peng Tao, a prominent figure in vaccine research and development,
provided strategic insights into the broader process of vaccine development, clinical trials, and attracting
investors.
Each expert contributed unique perspectives and expertise, enriching the
team's understanding and approach towards vaccine development. Dr. Li focused on practical aspects,
Prof
. Han provided technical insights, and Chairman Peng Tao offered strategic
considerations for both development and market success.
Project Implementation Summary
Who will be our clients?
Our primary end users are infants and young children, especially those aged between six months to three years, as they are the most vulnerable to Norovirus and Rotavirus infections. Additionally, parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who are responsible for the well-being of these children would also be our target audience. Given our extensive public awareness campaigns, we also aim to reach the general public, educators, and policymakers to ensure widespread knowledge and acceptance of our bivalent vaccine.
How will our clients use our potential products?
OWe envision healthcare professionals administering our bivalent oral vaccine to infants and young children as a preventive measure against Norovirus and Rotavirus infections. Given the oral nature of the vaccine, it offers ease of administration without the need for injections, making it more accessible and less intimidating for young children. Furthermore, with our educational campaigns, both online and offline, we hope to empower parents, caregivers, and the general public with knowledge about these viruses, leading to informed decisions about vaccination. Schools, clinics, and community health centers could also use our educational materials to further spread awareness and promote vaccination.
Future implementation of our project in the real world?
Our approach to real-world implementation is multi-faceted:
Collaboration with Industry: Our visits and interactions with industry leaders, such as the Guangdong South China Vaccine Co., LTD., have provided us with invaluable insights into the vaccine market. We aim to foster partnerships with such companies for production, distribution, and marketing of our vaccine.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Our surveys have highlighted the need for increased awareness about Norovirus and Rotavirus. We will continue our educational initiatives, leveraging online platforms, workshops, and community outreach programs.
Engaging with Experts: Our interactions with experts like Dr. Li Aifang, Prof. Han Zhenggang, and Chairman Peng Tao have enriched our project. We will continue to seek expert advice to refine our vaccine, ensuring its safety, efficacy, and market readiness.
Affordability: Based on our survey results, we understand the importance of pricing our vaccine affordably. We will work on strategies to ensure that our vaccine is both cost-effective and accessible to a wide range of populations.
Continuous Feedback: We believe in the iterative process of improvement. We will establish feedback mechanisms to gather real-world data on the vaccine's performance, allowing us to make necessary refinements.
We are committed to bringing our bivalent oral vaccine to the forefront of preventive healthcare, ensuring a safer future for our young ones against Norovirus and Rotavirus infections.
