FDA head says any approved COVID-19 vaccine will be safe

(HealthDay)—Stephen Hahn, M.D., the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, said Monday that the agency will not compromise safety when approving a COVID-19 vaccine, CNN reported.

That assurance was given during a video briefing with the American Medical Association. Because of how fast the FDA is working, some have questioned if the agency will weaken its usual rigor when it reviews data from clinical trials. “Let me assure you that we will not cut corners,” Hahn said. “All of our decisions will continue to be based on good science and the same careful deliberative processes we have always used when reviewing medical products.” Many Americans are wary of a vaccine. Hahn said he has seen surveys that show that many people will be reluctant to get vaccinated.

In May, a CNN poll found one-third of Americans would not get a COVID-19 vaccine even if it is widely available and inexpensive. Hahn urged doctors to get their patients to take the vaccine when it is approved. “We hope that you will urge your patients to take an approved vaccine so that we can seek to establish widespread immunity,” he said.

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