Italy: Coronavirus vaccine testing begins

Italian coronavirus vaccine trials begin Monday at Rome’s Spallanzani infectious disease hospital. 90 volunteers out of seven thousand who expressed their willingness to participate in this experiment were selected for the tests. They will receive 700 euros each.

“This could be a breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19,” emphasizes the Italian media ahead of the expected inauguration of vaccine testing. The project of its creation was financed by the authorities of the capital region of Lazio together with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The aim of the project is to have the vaccine ready next spring.

“The first phase of research is starting to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine” – emphasized the Italian Medicines Agency (Aifa) in the note. She explained that 45 healthy people aged 18 to 55 and the same number in the age group 65-85 were selected for the tests after initial checks.

Men aged 31 to 46 are the first group to receive the vaccine.

If no adverse reactions are found, the next group will be tested, which will receive the higher dose of the preparation.

This first experimental phase will last 8-10 weeks. Phases two and three are planned for late autumn.

“If all goes well, we will have the COVID-19 vaccine in the spring. We are working hard to ensure that it does,” said one of the hospital directors in the Eternal City, Francesco Vai.

He expressed the opinion that this vaccine should not be compulsory. “It is us who will have to convince the citizens of its beneficial actions,” he added.

From Rome Sylwia Wysocka

Want to know more about the coronavirus pandemic? Check the statistics:

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