Transparency & Other Takeaways From COVID-19 Clinical Trials

By Darcy Grabenstein

The first U.S. case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed by the Washington State Department of Health on Jan. 21. A Seattle man in his 50s with underlying health conditions died on Feb. 29, marking the first reported death from COVID-19 in the United States.

And on March 16, Jennifer Haller of Seattle was the first person to be injected with the experimental coronavirus vaccine mRNA-1273 in a clinical trial. Haller, 43, works as an operations manager for a technology company. “We all feel so helpless. This is an amazing opportunity for me to do something,” Haller told The Associated Press, adding that her two teenagers “think it’s cool” she’s taking part in the study.

Scientists are calling this first-in-humans study a momentous occasion. Haller’s act of selflessness can be viewed as historic, considering that it took place during Women’s History Month.