Editorial: Overseas politicians are racing to be the first to claim the glory of a vaccine breakthrough even if that means cutting corners and offering false hope
While the world is waiting desperately for a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has already killed more than 880,000 people, the hunt for an effective and safe vaccine must not be rushed.
This might seem like a setback but it is actually common in such trials and should inspire confidence that the vaccine is being subjected to rigorous scrutiny both for its effectiveness and for any possible side effects. Only about 20 per cent of candidate vaccines typically pass the final stage of trials on tens of thousands of real patients outside the laboratory.
The fringe group of anti-vaxxers, like celebrity chef Pete Evans, who oppose all vaccines, would have a field day. President Vladimir Putin has worryingly announced approval for a Russian vaccine which has barely started clinical trials.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NSW records nine new COVID-19 infections, all known sources or in hotel quarantineNSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says there have been nine new coronavirus infections in her state in the 24 hours to 8:00pm yesterday.
Read more »
Victoria reports 76 new coronavirus cases and 11 COVID-19 deathsVictoria has recorded 76 new coronavirus infections overnight and 11 further deaths, taking the state's COVID-19 death toll to 694.
Read more »
NSW records nine new COVID-19 infections, three more cases at Sydney hospitalHealth authorities in NSW have confirmed nine new coronavirus infections in the 24 hours to 8:00pm yesterday, including three cases at a Sydney hospital.
Read more »
Sydney pub becomes NSW's first venue to be shut after consecutive days of COVID-19 breachesA Sydney pub has been closed for a week after police found 32 people drinking and dancing at a function just one day after the hotel copped a $5,000 fine for multiple coronavirus breaches.
Read more »
Andrews denies Victoria COVID-19 strategy has shifted to 'eradication strategy' | Sky News AustraliaPremier Daniel Andrews has labelled criticisms he has shifted Victoria's COVID-19 approach from a suppression strategy to an eradication strategy 'nonsense'.\n\nThe Victorian Premier defended his approach claiming it was agreed upon by the National Cabinet that 'very low, to no mystery cases' would be a crucial component of dealing with the virus.\n\n'In order to have confidence you can keep numbers low for the long term, you need to get numbers low, as low as you possibly can to have confidence,' Mr Andrews said.
Read more »
Why NSW is winning its COVID-19 fightNew South Wales’ response to the pandemic has been praised as the “gold standard” for Australia, with the Prime Minister saying its contact tracing abilities, lessened restrictions and open borders is something all other states and territories should aspire to.
Read more »