McMaster researchers developing vaccine for COVID-19, other viruses by News staff McMaster researchers developing vaccines to fight COVID-19. (Courtesy of McMaster University) A homegrown vaccine candidate may potentially have huge implications for fighting not only the COVID-19 pandemic, but also future ones as well. A first of its kind, specialized facility at McMaster University in Hamilton is developing and producing two vaccines which they say could fight the COVID-19 virus and others that may come up. A release from the university explains that the vaccines differ from the ones currently on the market because they are “second-generation” vaccines, containing three components from the coronavirus instead of just one, which could potentially offer more protection.