COVID-19 and public involvement in research

I followed the example of Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, who, in the wake of the announcement of two successful COVID-19 vaccines, stated that he had encouraged his elderly mother ‘to be ready.’ I did the same.

The prospect of safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 is good news for everyone towards the end of a grim year. Of course, caution is still advisable with as yet no certainty as to how long the vaccine might work or whether there might be adverse side effects for certain groups. There are also a host of ethical issues that need to be addressed.

“It is the miracle jab that promises hope of an end to the pandemic and a longed-for return to normality.” So begins a piece by The Daily Mail’s science correspondent Victoria Allen this week...

Back in March discussion started as to whether it would be appropriate to consider challenge trials to speed up vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the most distressing aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic for me has been the treatment of older people living in care homes – and the uncomfortable spotlight cast on the way their fundamental needs and interests are often overlooked.

The introduction of compulsory mask policies in the UK has prompted a mixture of compliance and contention.