Making Sense of Medical Science (MSMS)

A few days ago, I posted a “COVID Vaccine Update” on the race to develop a vaccine for this coronavirus and a few days later, posted on what seems to be the most promising lead vaccine. At that time, 125 vaccines were under development. Today, according to the Milken Tracker, that number is 141.

It seems that the lead vax candidate is a highly novel RNA vaccine that is being developed by Oxford University scientists. As I earlier pointed out, the pharma company, AstraZeneca has already begun the highly risky production of this unproven vax in case it proves effective. If it doesn’t, or if another of the other 140 vaccines under development proves to be better, this effort will be for naught. As I said, “we will see.”

I have a question for blog readers. The Oxford investigators and AstraZeneca claim that they could have an effective and clinically tested vaccine as early as October. Even if they don’t meet that goal, there are several other vaccine candidates nipping on their heels. Some of these companies claim that their vaccines could be ready by the end of the year.

My question is this: if one of these vaccines shows sufficient safety and efficacy to gain expedited approval by the FDA, would you take it?

Would you line up to get one of these vaccines if the FDA says that they are safe and effective?

Please put your short answers in the comments section below. Just say “yes” “no” or “not sure.”

Comments explaining your “vote” would be appreciated if you want to share them.

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