Ohio Republican Rob Portman To Take Part In COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

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Nov 17, 2020

Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio has said that he’s officially enrolled in the clinical trial of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Portman conducted an interview with CNBC on Tuesday where he discussed enrolling in the phase three trial 12 days ago.

“The most important thing we can do right now is get these vaccines out and on the market, and we’ve got to ensure people are actually going to get vaccinated,” the Ohio senator said.

“It’s one thing to have the vaccines, which I think will be ready by the end of this year, so really in just a month and a half, but we’ve got to be sure that people are willing to be vaccinated. So the reason I participated in this trial was because I think the vaccines are so important,” Portman continued.

via Newsmax:

Thursday now I report back as to whether I have symptoms. It’s easy to go through, and again, I encourage people to do it because the more people that participate in the trials, the sooner they can get to the FDA for emergency use authorization and the quicker we can get it out to the American people.”

“I want to encourage everyone to participate in the trial, if you’re comfortable doing that, but certainly get the vaccine when it’s available.”

Portman said he is not certain whether he has received the vaccine or a placebo in the trial.

“I keep a diary,” he said. “Every Monday and Thursday now I report back as to whether I have symptoms. It’s easy to go through, and again, I encourage people to do it because the more people that participate in the trials, the sooner they can get to the FDA for emergency use authorization and the quicker we can get it out to the American people.”

Well, that’s certainly an interesting move to make.

A lot of folks are worried about being forced to take this vaccine by the government, which normally would sound like some what of a conspiracy theory, but given all the insane fear mongering surrounding COVID, perhaps it’s not that far-fetched.

The other concern is how safe the vaccine is, especially since it’s been rushed into production. That’s why these tests are important. Those who opt to take it need to feel like what they are taking is safe.

Guess we’ll find out here in the next few months how many people feel okay to take it.