Preserving the Scientific Integrity of Getting to COVID-19 Vaccines: From Clinical Trials to Public Allocation
The COVID-19 pandemic has had enormous social and economic impacts globally, and continues to challenge families, communities, health systems, and virtually every aspect of society. As of early October 2020, there are more than 33 million confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide and the death toll of the global pandemic has surpassed 1 million. The United States remains the most affected country, with more than 7 million diagnosed COVID-19 infections and upwards of 200,000 deaths to date.
Efforts to develop COVID-19 vaccines are well underway, and protecting the scientific integrity of the process is paramount. The trials must be—and must be seen to be—free of political interference, carried out with the highest scientific and ethical rigor, and allowed to proceed until the safety and efficacy of each candidate vaccine has been thoroughly assessed. The ultimate goal is global distribution of and equitable access to effective vaccines that can help slow, and eventually end, the pandemic.
Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington are bringing together leading experts to explore these issues and put forward a concise plan for protecting the scientific integrity of these lifesaving efforts. “Preserving the Scientific Integrity of Getting to COVID-19 Vaccines: From Clinical Trials to Public Allocation” features insights from global leaders in vaccine science, health metrics, policy, regulation, and communications.
