Update: U.S. to begin 30,000-person study for potential COVID-19 vaccine

Last month, we discussed an update on the progress made towards a COVID-19 vaccine. At that time, human trials were still on the horizon. Since then, we’ve had more good news. The National Institutes of Health and Moderna, Inc. will begin human trials of its vaccine on July 27th. So far, 30,000 individuals have volunteered to be a part of the trial process.

This news follows initial reports of the first 45 volunteers who received the vaccine trial back in March of this year. Those early volunteers showed strong levels of antibodies similar to those found in survivors of the virus. This trial opened the door for the next phase of the process on July 27th, and it also allowed Moderna to stay on track with a fully-tested vaccine by the end of the calendar year.

For those 45 early trials, there were reportedly no severe side effects. Half of the participants reported flu-like symptoms following the vaccine, including fatigue, headache, chills, and fever; however, these symptoms only lasted for a period of one to two days. Whether a larger pool of volunteers produces different side effects remains to be seen.

Compensation for COVID-19 vaccine

Undoubtedly, as soon as a COVID-19 vaccine becomes widely available for the public, we can expect a large percentage of the U.S. population lining up to receive it. When that time comes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has already indicated that a COVID-19 vaccine will be covered under a Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program in case of more severe side effects from it.

The CICP is a very limited venue for people to receive compensation resulting from pandemic countermeasures, such as drugs or vaccines developed to fight COVID-19. The CICP differs from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. For instance, in the VICP, there are more covered vaccines, and HHS pays for your attorney’s fees. While in the CICP, there is no such attorney fee provision.

There may come a time when protection against the coronavirus requires a seasonal vaccination, similar to the influenza vaccine. Under that scenario, HHS may add the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine to the list of covered vaccines in the VICP. We are quite far from that reality now.

However, there is already some concern about the long-term durability of a COVID-19 vaccine. There will be a lot to monitor regarding the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine, its effectiveness, its side effects, and its long-term durability over the next few years. You can be sure we will be monitoring it here.

Injured by a vaccine? Contact us today

If you believe that you have experienced a reaction from a vaccine covered by the VICP, you may be entitled to compensation. Call us 24/7 at (312) 578-9501 for a free consultation, or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get started.