The prospect of developing a vaccine for the common cold faces significant challenges, particularly due to the numerous variants of cold viruses that continuously circulate. Historical attempts to create a cold vaccine were made during the 1960s and 1970s, but all efforts ultimately failed, and progress in this area has remained stagnant since then. A review conducted by researchers in 2022 identified only one clinical trial related to a cold vaccine, which took place in 1965.
Interest in developing a cold vaccine has diminished over the years. Many experts question whether such an endeavor is worthwhile, especially considering that most colds are mild, don’t require extensive treatment, and typically resolve within a week or two. Comparatively, more dangerous viruses, such as influenza, pose a greater health risk and warrant more research focus.
Cold viruses do mutate, yet they are generally not expected to trigger pandemics, as they have evolved to induce mild illness in humans. In contrast, flu viruses can lead to more severe health outcomes, underscoring the priority given to researching vaccines for them.
Despite being minor irritants, colds can still be disruptive and economically burdensome. They are a leading cause of respiratory infections and can result in complications such as pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations. The economic impact of colds in the United States alone was estimated at $40 billion annually in a 2003 study.
However, there is ongoing research in this field. Scientists, including those at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, are exploring ways to enhance immune responses in individuals with asthma and lung conditions to protect them from cold viruses. Additionally, researchers at Emory University have developed a vaccine that shows promise in protecting monkeys against certain rhinoviruses. While significant progress is being made, experts advise against expecting a cold vaccine within the next five years, though future possibilities remain hopeful.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/31/1127408/heres-why-we-dont-have-a-cold-vaccine-yet/