Given the major health burden caused by the novel coronavirus, having a safe and effective vaccine would be a critical tool in mitigating that burden. So, what can be done now to instill public confidence in a vaccine if and when it proves to meet public health standards and scientific muster? So far, both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccine trials have included tens of thousands of individuals, divided into groups of those receiving the vaccine and those getting a placebo. Committee meetings in a public forumTo ensure vaccine safety and provide an opportunity for the public to observe the data being discussed, vaccine trials should be reviewed by independent committees of experts in a public forum prior to vaccine approval and as administration programs are considered. Therefore, it is critical to assure the public that the vaccine benefits far exceed any risks.

Source: The Nation November 20, 2020 12:09 UTC