09.23.20 (Wired.com)
| The FDA is expected to tighten vaccine guidelines, a vaccine from Johnson & Johnson enters Phase III trials, and Covid patients and researchers turn to support groups. Here’s what you should know:Headlines FDA expected to tighten vaccine approval guidelines to assuage Americans’ concerns The FDA is expected to release new guidelines for emergency use authorization of a coronavirus vaccine as soon as this week. A recent survey found that 50 percent of Americans said they would get the vaccine today, compared to 72 percent in May. This move by the FDA is intended to assuage concerns about the safety and efficacy of a rapidly approved vaccine. The new guidelines will also make it difficult for a vaccine to be approved before Election Day. Johnson & Johnson vaccine begins largest Phase III trials yet in the US Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine entered Phase III trials on Monday. It will be the largest of its kind in the US, with plans to enroll 60,000 participants. Unlike its competitors, this vaccine doesn’t need to be stored at subzero temperatures and may only require one dose. If it works, this could make it easier to inoculate large numbers of people very quickly. Online Covid-19 groups offer support for people with the virus and scientists studying it Over the last six months, hundreds of thousands of people who have tested positive for coronavirus have congregated in Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and other online spaces where they post about their experiences with the disease and offer support. While there are still trolls and misinformation, these groups have largely been a positive space for people seeking solace and advice. They’ve also been a vital source of data for medical researchers. |