With COVID-19 vaccine announcements making headlines, non-scientists need to know what clinical trial results mean. Here are some key points to look for in vaccine trial reports.
Unprecedented efforts are driving the global push for a safe and effective vaccine. If and when we have one (or more), here’s how it’s likely to be rolled out in Australia.
Vaccines do more than just protect against the disease they were designed for. They also have so-called non-specific effects that can improve overall health.
Budget cuts and outsourcing content have affected the amount and quality of science journalism. Scientists should learn to communicate their own findings directly and clearly to the public.
There is now a third vaccine that prevents COVID-19 infections. It isn’t quite as effective as the other two vaccines but it has advantages that may make it the frontrunner.
COVID-19 vaccines are at risk of being undermined by vaccine hesitancy. Pharma must take steps to ensure transparency in data monitoring committees and trial data to build public trust in vaccines.
In the disturbing scenario of human-to-mink-to-human COVID-19 transmission, the virus may mutate in mink prior to re-infecting people. That possibility makes vaccine design even more crucial.
Inaction over the next few months could cost tens of thousands of lives. Here are things you should do now to stay safe and to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Two pharma companies have announced early COVID-19 vaccine trial results with over 90 per cent effectiveness. What does that mean for getting back to normal?
Asking these four questions can help us identify good news when we see it, be more critical of news reports, or delay our judgement until we have more information.
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand