Scientists are aiming to launch a nationwide trial ‘as soon as possible’ to find out if the top coronavirus vaccines can stop the virus from spreading

  • Date: 28-Nov-2020
  • Source: Business Insider
  • Sector:Healthcare
  • Country:Middle East
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Scientists are aiming to launch a nationwide trial ‘as soon as possible’ to find out if the top coronavirus vaccines can stop the virus from spreading

Massive studies have shown that two leading coronavirus vaccines are highly effective at preventing people from getting sick with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Top researchers are already pitching plans for additional studies, Business Insider has learned.

This research aims to answer a critical question: can these experimental shots also prevent transmission of the virus, particularly asymptomatic infections?

Key barriers to these studies are getting funding and getting vaccine developers Pfizer or Moderna on board.

Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is leading the proposal. He told Business Insider these studies could start in January and produce results by May. 

The findings would inform our understanding of the benefits of the vaccines and help determine how long the public needs to keep wearing masks and socially distancing.

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Leading vaccine researchers are hoping to launch an ambitious study as soon as possible to answer a crucial question about coronavirus vaccines: can they stop the spread of the novel virus.

Two vaccines from Pfizer and from Moderna are highly effective at protecting people from getting sick with COVID-19, according to late-stage study results the companies announced in