Interim reports on Phase 1 and Phase 2 vaccine trials from China, with an inactivated whole virus vaccine (using mercapto-ethanol instead of formalin to minimise immunological lung injury), have demonstrated immunogenicity and short-term safety. There are several reasons why healthcare workers, particularly those above age 55, should volunteer for and be included in Phase 3 trials. This attitude is more appropriate now than ever before in the context of COVID-19 vaccination trials. Inclusion of healthcare workers in the Phase 3 vaccine trial may prove to be the silver lining and boost the sagging morale of healthcare workers. Sero-prevalence of IgG antibody in healthcare workers is likely to be 30-40% as is the case currently in our metros; only the remaining proportion of healthcare workers will still be susceptible.

Source: The Hindu August 27, 2020 18:45 UTC