By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/fda-head-says-agency-wont-cut-corners-in-studying-covid-19-vaccine-candidates Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter FDA head says agency won’t cut corners in studying COVID-19 vaccine candidates Health Jun 30, 2020 1:48 PM EDT WASHINGTON — The head of the Food and Drug Administration says vaccine developers will be expected to study COVID-19 shots in racial minorities, the elderly, pregnant women and those with other health conditions. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn outlined the guidelines for potential vaccines at a Senate hearing on reopening schools and workplaces. Hahn says “while the FDA is committed to help expedite this work, we will not cut corners in our decision-making.” The agency has come under criticism for granting emergency authorization to a malaria drug touted by President Donald Trump as a treatment for coronavirus. The agency revoked that designation earlier this month after studies found the drug was ineffective against the virus. The U.S. is set to begin a 30,000-person trial of a government-created shot starting next month. Under the Trump administration’s program dubbed “Operation Warp Speed,” health officials aim to have 300 million doses on hand by January. About 15 experimental COVID-19 vaccines are in various stages of testing worldwide. There is no guarantee that any will prove effective. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The head of the Food and Drug Administration says vaccine developers will be expected to study COVID-19 shots in racial minorities, the elderly, pregnant women and those with other health conditions. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn outlined the guidelines for potential vaccines at a Senate hearing on reopening schools and workplaces. Hahn says “while the FDA is committed to help expedite this work, we will not cut corners in our decision-making.” The agency has come under criticism for granting emergency authorization to a malaria drug touted by President Donald Trump as a treatment for coronavirus. The agency revoked that designation earlier this month after studies found the drug was ineffective against the virus. The U.S. is set to begin a 30,000-person trial of a government-created shot starting next month. Under the Trump administration’s program dubbed “Operation Warp Speed,” health officials aim to have 300 million doses on hand by January. About 15 experimental COVID-19 vaccines are in various stages of testing worldwide. There is no guarantee that any will prove effective. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now