The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective. In vitro studies of the vaccines indicate that the vaccines show all the expected effects. Vaccines induce both a cytotoxic lymphocyte response and a humoral response. Research under real conditions shows a rapidly weakening protection against transmission, and a very good protection against death and hospitalization. The differences between the convalescent and the vaccinated should be better analyzed. Determining the level of vaccination effectiveness would not be possible without diagnostic tests showing very good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Diagnostic analysis and epidemical analysis proved that mechanisms for the rapid introduction of vaccines have been accomplished. Nevertheless, preparations for the next pandemic should take into account the various shortcomings revealed by COVID-19. One should consider the preparation of universal coronavirus vaccines. Even 25% effectiveness in protecting risk groups from hospitalization, and 50% from death, will prove very helpful before targeted vaccines are developed.