43% of parents would accept less rigorous testing of COVID-19 vaccine: UBC study

A new study from researchers at the University of British Columbia suggests almost half (43 per cent) of parents would allow a COVID-19 vaccine that was less rigorously tested if it meant it could be available sooner.

The study surveyed more than 2,500 families across Canada, Spain, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States.

Dr. Ran Goldman is a pediatrician at BC Children’s Hospital and a professor at UBC. He says he understands why the study results were so high.

“Parents want to protect their children,” he said.

“They want to protect their setting because when you vaccinate your child, you’re not only protecting them, you’re protecting the older ones at home, and giving immunity to your community.”

However, he says rigorous testing is extremely important.

“We want to make sure what we’re giving ourselves, our elders or others is not only effective, but also safe,” he said.

UBC says more than 180 vaccines are currently being developed around the world, and some of them have been given fast-track status.

Overall, the study found 52 per cent of fathers were likely to suggest modifying the approval standards, while more mothers would rather keep the vaccination development process the same.

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