Abstract

The Importance of Clinical Trials in Vaccine Research

Author(s): Yufeng Zheng

Clinical trials are an essential part of vaccine research as they allow researchers to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and potential side effects of vaccines before they are approved for public use. These trials typically involve multiple phases, with each phase designed to answer different questions about the vaccine. Phase I trials are small, with only a few dozen participants, and are designed to evaluate the safety of the vaccine. Phase II trials involve several hundred participants and aim to determine the optimal dosage and schedule for the vaccine. Phase III trials are the largest and involve thousands of participants. These trials are designed to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing the disease in question and to identify any rare or unexpected side effects.