EXPERT REACTION: Pause of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine trial
Opinion piece/editorial: This work is based on the opinions of the author(s)/institution.
Following news yesterday that AstraZeneca has paused their Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trials due to a suspected adverse reaction, more information has been released about the participant that led to the global shutdown. There are ongoing media reports that the patient experienced neurological symptoms consistent with a rare but serious spinal inflammatory disorder called transverse myelitis, however the company told the ABC earlier there was no final diagnosis and earlier reports were incorrect. Below Australian experts respond.
Organisation/s: Australian Science Media Centre, Murdoch University, The University of New South Wales, CSL Innovation Pty Ltd, CSIRO, Australian Catholic University, University of Sydney, Griffith University, University of Auckland
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Expert Reaction
These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.
Professor Jeremy Nicholson is Pro-Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences and Director of the Australian National Phenome Centre at Murdoch University
Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris is a vaccinologist at the University of Auckland