Resumption of Vaccine Trials Following Safety Concerns

Astra Zeneca and Oxford University resumed clinical trials for AZD1222, considered among the most promising COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The Phase 3 human trials for the experimental vaccine were briefly put on hold after one participant was hospitalized with neurological symptoms. Health experts noted that it was standard procedure to halt trials in the case of an adverse event and commended the quick stoppage of the trials. Following established safety protocols, the research team was able to confirm that the symptoms were consistent with transverse myelitis that was not related to the vaccine. The participant recovered in a few days, and no other trial participants reported any notable symptoms.