Two pharmaceutical companies have recently announced that their early data in a coronavirus vaccine trial has shown more than 90% efficacy in preventing COVID-19. Americans have previously shown skepticism to receiving a vaccine once it is made available. Now, a Republican senator is sharing a recent decision he made in an effort to boost Americans’ confidence.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), 64, shared with Politico that he participated in Johnson & Johnson’s late-stage trial of a COVID-19 vaccine about two weeks ago.
“My hope is that people will stop criticizing the best scientists in the world who are at the FDA — who by the way are following the science — and instead encourage people to step up and be involved in these trials and to get vaccinated,” the Ohio lawmaker told the outlet.
This marks the first time a member of Congress has participated in a coronavirus vaccine trial.
Portman said a Gallup poll published in October was “very concerning,” which showed an 11% drop in Americans’ eagerness to get a COVID-19 vaccine once made available. The poll showed only 50% in September would get the vaccine if approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and at no cost, down from 61% in August.
The Congressman received the shot on Nov. 5 in the single-dose trial, and he is not sure if he received the placebo or the vaccine candidate.
His remarks come shortly after Moderna announced it had found its experimental vaccine to be 94.5% effective. Pfizer and BioNTech’s potential vaccine also showed more than 90% efficacy in preventing COVID-19.
I am encouraged by the progress we are seeing in the various vaccine trials.
— Rob Portman (@senrobportman) November 16, 2020
A testament to the power of American scientific innovation and the support Congress has provided to the development of safe and effective vaccines. https://t.co/uQ9thSZ2N1
Portman responded to Moderna’s recent announcement, tweeting, “I am encouraged by the progress we are seeing in the various vaccine trials. A testament to the power of American scientific innovation and the support Congress has provided to the development of safe and effective vaccines.”
