Pandemic vaccine trials: expedite, but don't rush. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dawson, Angus
• Is Part Of: Research ethics review. Volume 16:Number 3/4(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Research ethics -- vaccine trials -- SARS-CoV-2 -- risks and benefits; 174.28094105
• DOI: 10.1177/1747016120943730
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-0161

Abstract

It has been proposed that the urgency of having a vaccine as a response to SARS-CoV-2 is so great, given the potential health, economic and social benefits that we should override the established steps in the research development process. In this article I argue that whilst there are some opportunities to expedite the production of a vaccine, it is a mistake to rush the research. We should retain the existing structures represented by clear and separate 'phasing' of trials. I offer three reasons for this view: the existing phases of trials is morally significant; rushing fails to appropriately weigh all of the relevant risks and benefits and consent is not sufficient for the justification of additional risk. Vaccines have played a central role in global health improvements and we should not endanger such achievements for an apparent short-term gain in response to a pandemic such as SARS-CoV-2.