Iirc a version of a COVID vaccine was already “ready” in some labs before any lockdowns started. Actually doing all the testing, mass producing it, preserving it, transporting it, storing - probably took most of the time.

Aaaand that’s one reason it’s taking time to develop a proper vaccine.

When I looked into it when the vaccines were rolling out, I read that the technology was already used in cancer treatments. I decided that if it’s safe enough to not kill one of the most immunocompromised groups in the world, it’s probably safe enough for me.