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Coronavirus vaccine could be fast-tracked under government plans to change the law that will also protect pharmaceutical companies from being sued: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-vaccine-fast-tracked-uk-unlicensed-medicine-side-effects-a9693141.html
The last time the UK rushed a pandemic vaccine into service it ended up costing millions in compensation. @PeterTodd_ raises sensible questions about government announcement today:
The consultation launched today will last just 3 weeks and also expand the workforce able to administer vaccines to more doctors and nurses including students and other professionals to assist in mass vaccination.
During Brexit transition any decision on licensing a Covid vaccine rests with the European Medicines Agency. These rule changes will allow MHRA to authorise the vaccine as soon as October.
Most experts agree a vaccine is unlikely until 2021 anyway.
Most experts agree a vaccine is unlikely until 2021 anyway.
Changes to rules will allow more NHS staff to administer vaccines, including unlicensed ones. Staff groups mentioned include midwives, nursing associates, operating department practitioners, paramedics, physiotherapists, pharmacists and even student doctors and nurses
The Covid pandemic is a major safety emergency and if clinical trials demonstrate a vaccine is safe then MHRA giving it the go must be right. But giving manufacturers immunity sends the wrong message...
It suggests if people suffer a rare complication they wont have recourse to courts for compensation. Their lives could be ruined if they're disabled. The DHSC has yet to say if the vaccine will be added to Vaccine Damages scheme.
This is not how you win the public confidence
This is not how you win the public confidence
What you need to do is say yes we will fast-track it cus we have to. But the govt will ensure help and financial support in case of any problems.
The history of pandemic vaccines requires this I think.
The history of pandemic vaccines requires this I think.
If you're interested I did this special report for @Independent a few months back: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-vaccine-risks-research-nhs-lockdown-pandemrix-adjuvant-a9470306.html
I wrote this in 2018 on the impact of the swine flu vaccine on NHS staff who were not told key facts about the vaccine they were being given....we must not repeat this with #COVID19 https://www.buzzfeed.com/shaunlintern/these-nhs-staff-were-told-the-swine-flu-vaccine-was-safe
UPDATE: DHSC has told me tonight it is considering adding any Covid-19 vaccine to the Vaccine Damates Payments Act.
This should have been sorted and part of today's announcement.
This should have been sorted and part of today's announcement.
DHSC has also refused to say if it has entered into any indemnity deals with vaccine manufacturers citing commerical sensitivies.
