As one vaccine trial halts, Emory’s moves on full steam ahead

A coronavirus vaccine trial at Emory University is going well.

That word comes from a top Emory doctor after a different vaccine trial was halted this week when someone getting the vaccine developed a serious illness.

Despite the issue with the AstraZeneca trial this week, other trials are full steam ahead.

Ashley Nealy is currently doing her part to change the world. The Atlanta woman chose to take part in a vaccine trial for COVID-19.

“I actually went today to get my second and final dose of the vaccine,” Nealy told Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon. “I really wanted to see what I can do to help stop this pandemic and if I could help lend myself to research to make sure this vaccine works for everyone.”

Nealy and thousands of others signed up for the trial with drugmaker Pfizer. She told Wilfon that she developed only mild symptoms after receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I was feeling really fatigued, so a lot more tired than I normally am. Also, I had a few body aches,” Nealy said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Fugitive wanted in deputy shooting spotted in Gordon County; at least one civilian shot
• Alpharetta officer clocks motorcyclist speeding 178 mph on Ga. 400
• Suspects break into home, hold Roswell family at gunpoint

Concerns about potentially more severe side effects brought another vaccine trial to a standstill this week.

AstraZeneca halted its trial while it investigates whether a serious illness in one trial participant could be a side effect of the shot.

“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t take me by surprise or startle me a little bit,” Nealy said. “I’ve still decided to press forward even though that’s in the news. But it’s always a risk with any kind of new medication or anything that’s coming out, and that’s something I was will to accept.”

Despite the setback for AstraZeneca, other vaccine trials will continue. That includes Pfizer’s and another trial being partially conducted in metro Atlanta at Emory University.

“I think it’s going really well. I think it’s probably going to finish enrollment probably in the next couple weeks, certainly by the end of the month,” said Emory epidemiologist and executive associate dean Dr. Carlos del Rio.

Emory is working on the trial with drugmaker Moderna.

In a conference call with reporters, del Rio said the halting of the AstraZeneca trial doesn’t alarm him.

“All I can tell you is that is how clinical research works. That’s what clinical trials do. You are continuously seeing if there’s any issues. And out of an abundance of caution, you put a hold when something serious happens, and you want to see what the issue was,” del Rio said.

Emory’s trial is one of several around the world now in the final stage. The current phase, involving about 30,000 participants, will determine if the vaccine can actually prevent them from getting COVID-19.

“The investigators and the study teams are doing an incredible job because, honestly, they’re working really, really hard to get this done,” del Rio said.

But he said the No. 1 priority is keeping trial participants safe.

“It does feel good to know that I’m helping make history and helping to make sure that this works for everyone,” Nealy said.

She told Wilfon that there was a two-year commitment to be a part of her trial. Even though she received her final shot on Wednesday, she’ll be going back for blood tests for the next couple of years to see if she has developed antibodies and whether she’s keeping those antibodies over time.

Major push to include minorities in vaccine trials

Cox Media Group