Volunteers in the Pfizer / BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine studies who received a placebo will be able to receive a first dose of the vaccine by March 1, according to Saturday reports.
The companies said the study’s Vaccine Transition Option means that all participants can find out if they got the placebo. Participants who learn that they have received the placebo “have the option of receiving the study vaccine while they remain in the study,” said a statement to subjects.
However, U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials and outside advisers have said Pfizer’s plan to unblind could make it more difficult to continue to collect safety and effectiveness data needed for full approval of the vaccine by the FDA.
Trial participants who received the placebo will have reserved two doses of the study vaccine for them within the study, the companies said.
“The investigating physician will follow the latest guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and their local health authorities to offer the Vaccine Transition Option in a prioritized manner,” the companies said, Reuters reported.