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As it became known, the AstraZeneca company decided to temporarily suspend clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine (also known as the “Oxford vaccine”) after a British volunteer fell ill. The news caused concern in the international community, as this vaccine, which is the first to proceed with the final phase of testing, appeared to be one of the most promising.
The event was also commented on by US chief physician Dr. Anthony Fauci, calling it unfortunate but common, as it is one of the “safety valves” of clinical trials for vaccines. But what was the illness that caused the temporary suspension of the tests? And what could the event mean for the future of the vaccine? 
Why were the AstraZeneca lawsuits suspended?
One of the volunteers in Great Britain fell ill and it is absolutely necessary to find out if the event could be related to the vaccine. This is not uncommon in vaccine trials; in fact, it is said to be the second time this has happened in the case of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Thorough testing is required to detect any rare side effects. For example, an adverse reaction occurring in one in 100,000 people is unlikely to be detected in early trials when vaccines are administered to only a few thousand volunteers.
Do we know what disease it is?
It is said to be transverse myelitis, although AstraZeneca has not confirmed it. It is an inflammation of the “sheath” that contains the nerves of the spine. It can be treated with steroids that reduce inflammation, but the problem can become chronic.
Transverse myelitis has been linked to an older vaccine, but only in extremely rare cases. A 2018 study that looked at more than 30 years of data on the vaccine side effect registry system in the US identified 119 cases in 29 men and 90 women. This is a small number compared to the vaccinated population. However, the cases occurred a few days after vaccination, leading researchers to believe that it could be an extremely rare side effect. Almost half of the cases occurred after the hepatitis B vaccine.
How will it affect the tests?
Investigators will look at the details of the disease as well as the details of the person who introduced it to find out if there is any connection. In addition, they will consider the dose of the vaccine you received, your general health, etc. The hope is that the fact can be explained and is not a potential risk for everyone else vaccinated. If this is the case, perhaps continue your test drive. Researchers from other clinical trials, nine of which are also in the third and final phase, will make sure the problem is not related to their own vaccine.
Is the rush to blame for the vaccine?
Probably not. Although testing began in record time, special emphasis has been placed on safety and, with all the lights on, it is unlikely that researchers or construction companies will attempt to follow dangerous detours. This could have happened even if the tests lasted several years rather than a few months.
Will there be other consequences?
Given the attention given to vaccine clinical trials, this pause may reduce public confidence. In previous vaccine trials, we would not have even noticed such short breaks, as their results were less important to public health worldwide. There are anti-vaccine movements, which speak of the supposed dangers of vaccines, while there are also those who claim that it is better for healthy people to acquire natural immunity to the coronavirus, after being infected by it and then recovering. However, this is by no means the safest way. As we know, in rare cases, young and apparently healthy people can also get seriously ill, while the coronavirus seems to be able to leave long-term health problems.
Source: www.theguardian.com
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