Ask HN: Do mRNA vaccines need to be tested when updated to handle variants?
And if so, why? Won't the updated vaccines also be safe (though perhaps not as effective as desired)?
What if there isn't enough time for testing?
What if there isn't enough time for testing?
However the FDA has said that they may not require trials for new versions of the vaccines to get them out faster.
Covid-19 Vaccines Candidates in Clinical Trials : https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/vaccines/
Yes.
> And if so, why?
Safety, efficacy.
> Won't the updated vaccines also be safe
Probably.
> (though perhaps not as effective as desired)?
That's kind of important. Safety isn't binary, and efficacy plays a factor in what safety is minimally acceptable.
> What if there isn't enough time for testing?
Then we need to use what we know about the process to estimate the cost/benefit of skipping, or further limiting, testing to get things out faster. But probably that still means testing happens, but an EUA might be earlier in the process.
Mostly because they need to be effective before they're mass-produced and recommended to the public. Giving people an ineffective treatment is wasteful and unethical.
How do you feel about releasing mission critical code without testing?