Coronavirus: who can be a candidate for testing future vaccines?

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In his last televised address this week, Emmanuel Macron revealed that a vaccine against Covid-19 would be operational this summer, according to the scientists around him.

But before it is put on the market, it is necessary that "guinea pigs" agree to receive it.

How does the law regulate this essential stage, that of clinical trials?

Lawyer Roland Perez takes stock. 

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People with aggravating pathologies

Inserm, the public establishment under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Research, dedicated to biological research is looking for volunteers to test vaccines against the coronavirus and thus know its adverse effects.

Every adult, in good health without specific contraindication to vaccines, can be a candidate.

But not only: people over 60 years of age with pathologies that worsen coronavirus, such as diabetes, overweight or high blood pressure are also actively sought to receive the vaccine as a test in order to measure its effectiveness on these so-called at-risk people It is therefore the doctors and clinical investigation centers of Inserm who can offer these tests, according to several criteria based on age, sex, medical history, illnesses partners and the place of life.

The goal: that several distinct groups, representing the entire population, can be formed.

For the vaccine against Covid-19, a national platform has been set up, it is Colvireivac.fr

Unpaid participation

Then if you have been selected, there will be several interviews with a doctor, blood tests and above all the assurance that you are fully aware of the risks.

This is called free and informed consent - knowing that you will be getting the vaccine or a placebo, that's the whole point of clinical trials.

Of course for days, months and even years, a medical follow-up will then be operated. 

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Note however that the law prohibits any remuneration for these "guinea pigs".

On the other hand, trips to the hospital and the constraints imposed by the vaccine process are compensable.

And be aware that in the event of injuries or damage caused to volunteers, liability insurance will intervene to compensate the victim.