Warp Speed for COVID 19 Vaccines: Why are Children Stuck in Neutral?
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.
Clinical infectious diseases an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America