The Nobel laureates behind mRNA COVID vaccines

More than one million people died just in the U.S. as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that broke out in 2020. But a scientific miracle – a vaccine released later that same year – saved countless lives. Last year Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, the two scientists whose research in messenger RNA (or mRNA) and immunology enabled the development of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines, were named Nobel Prize-winners. "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh talks with Weissman and Karikó about their partnership, and the unusual trajectories of their lives that led to a breakthrough that may reshape vaccine treatment for a host of diseases.

"CBS News Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS News Sunday Morning broadcast times.

Subscribe to the "CBS News Sunday Morning" YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/CBSSundayMorning
Get more of "CBS News Sunday Morning": https://cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cbssundaymorning/
Like "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Facebook: https://facebook.com/CBSSundayMorning
Follow "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBSSunday
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://cbsnews.com/newsletters/
Download the CBS News app: https://www.cbsnews.com/mobile/
Try Paramount+ free: https://paramountplus.com/?ftag=PPM-05-10aeh8h

For video licensing inquiries, contact: licensing@veritone.com