Warp Speed for COVID-19 Vaccines: Why are Children Stuck in Neutral?

AUTHORS

Anderson EJ , Campbell JD , Creech CB , Frenck R , Kamidani S , Munoz FM , Nachman S , Spearman P , . Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2020 9 18; ().

PMID: 32945335 [PubMed].

ABSTRACT

While adult clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines have moved quickly into Phase 3 clinical trials, clinical trials have not started in children in the US. The direct COVID-19 impact upon children is greater than that observed for a number of other pathogens for which we now have effective pediatric vaccines. Additionally, the role of children in SARS-CoV-2 transmission has clearly been underappreciated. Carefully conducted Phase II clinical trials can adequately address potential COVID-19 vaccine safety concerns. Delaying Phase II vaccine clinical trials in children will delay our recovery from COVID-19 and unnecessarily prolong its impact upon children’s education, health and emotional well-being, and equitable access to opportunities for development and social success. Given the potential direct and indirect benefits of pediatric vaccination, implementation of Phase II clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines should begin now.

Tags: alumni publications 2020