Current worldwide statistics show that in the case of COVID-19 more men than women dy of acute infection, while women suffer more than men from the long-term health, economic and social consequences of the pandemic. This report argues that innovative solutions beyond health, such as economic re-entry strategies and product development, also need to consider sex and gender. The report studies sex differences in immune responses as well as sex-specific side effects of vaccines and treatments. Next, it considers gender-specific risk factors, the design of gender-sensitive prevention campaigns and the gender-specific socioeconomic burden of social/physical distancing measures and quarantines. Finally, it provides suggestions for future COVID-19 national and EU funded research.