Opinion Based On Facts By Karen Cohen
An Expat named John is unaware of the meaning of “clinical trial”.
Ho Chi Minh City – In a stunning display of ignorance and audacity, an expatriate residing in this bustling metropolis has taken it upon himself to boldly question the safety and efficacy of the meticulously developed COVID-19 vaccine.This self-proclaimed expert confidently dismisses the tireless efforts of scientists and medical professionals. Brace yourselves for an extraordinary journey into the mind of the vaccine skeptic!
One of John’s favorite rallying cries is that the vaccine was ‘rushed,’ asserting that safety cannot be guaranteed due to the rapid nature of its development. It seems John’s selective amnesia has conveniently overlooked the extensive clinical trials and regulatory procedures that took place worldwide. These trials involved tens of thousands of participants, ensuring a rigorous evaluation of safety and efficacy.
John, in his delusional hypothetical world, seems to believe that the scientific community just went, “Oh well, let’s just throw this vaccine against the wall and see if it sticks.” In reality, the development of vaccines went through standard phases – starting with preclinical trials, where the vaccines were extensively tested on animals to determine their safety and efficacy. These tests were followed by Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, involving thousands of human participants, which meticulously evaluated the vaccine’s efficacy, side effects, and long-term impact.
But wait, the absurdities don’t end there! John also avidly claims that corners were cut during the vaccine development process. Sorry, John, but the vaccine development timeline was not dictated by workplace procrastination or a ‘Fast and Furious’ mindset. The unprecedented global effort combined the expertise of countless scientists, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. They utilized the latest technology, collaborated extensively, and adhered to countless protocols to expedite the development process without compromising safety and efficacy.
In case John missed this crucial detail while reading unfounded conspiracy theories, the COVID-19 vaccine’s development included multiple platforms, such as mRNA, vector-based vaccines, and protein subunit vaccines. By employing various approaches simultaneously, scientists ensured that enough options were explored, negating any shortcuts or dubious practices.
The development of vaccines has seen an unparalleled level of transparency. Clinical trial data for vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were subjected to strict scrutiny by multiple regulatory bodies, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These agencies demanded and reviewed the supporting data for months, ensuring no stone was left unturned in the pursuit of safety and efficacy.
The bottom line is, John’s blatant disregard for the meticulous process behind the COVID-19 vaccine development is not only misplaced – it is downright dangerous. John probably killed your beloved grandma if she was one of the 1.5 million who perished from the virus. And when exactly is this vaccine going to kill the 81% of the worlds population who already received it? While we cherish freedom of speech, it’s high time we call out these self-proclaimed experts who peddle ignorance over well-established science. So, let’s leave behind this land of misinformation and embrace the truth, trusting in the collective efforts of scientists worldwide to secure a brighter, safer future for all.