Regulatory Approval Primer for Vaccine Advocates

The difference between speed and cutting corners can be one of life or death for individuals, and of impact versus impasse for societies. Advancing a vaccine candidate without peer-reviewed research results and thorough regulatory review can also undermine confidence in public institutions and vaccines generally. Global health advocates have an essential role to play as watchdogs of the regulatory systems that have worked well for decades, but may be vulnerable to global pressure for a vaccine and the current politicization of science.