Racial and Ethnic Diversity in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Clinical Trials Conducted in the United States

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Lana Khalil, Emory University; Maranda Leary, Emory University; Nadine Rouphael, Emory University; Ighovwerha Ofotokun, Emory University; Paulina Rebolledo, Emory University; Zanthia Wiley, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-02-14
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022 by the authors.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10020290
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Vaccines
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 2
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was not funded.
• Keywords: COVID-19; ethnic disparities; H1N1; racial disparities; clinical trials
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies; Biology, Virology

Abstract

Evidence shows that White and non-Hispanic individuals are overrepresented in clinical trials. The development of new vaccines and drugs, however, necessitates that clinical research trials include representative participants, particularly in light of evidence showing that underrepresented minorities may have a different response to certain medications and vaccines. Racial and ethnic disparities among clinical trials are multilayered and complex, and this requires action. The results of this study indicate that significant racial and ethnic disparities consistently exist among the most recent early SARS-CoV-2 vaccine clinical trials as compared to the pandemic H1N1 vaccine clinical trials of 2009. New strategies, policies, training programs, and reforms are required to address these disparities among clinical trials.