The Case to Infect Volunteers with COVID-19 to Accelerate Vaccine Testing

Explore a thought-provoking TED Talk that presents a radical proposal for accelerating COVID-19 vaccine development. Delve into bioethicist Nir Eyal's controversial concept of "human challenge trials," where volunteers would be deliberately exposed to the virus to expedite vaccine efficacy testing. Learn about the ethical considerations, potential benefits, and risks associated with this unconventional approach as Eyal makes his case for potentially saving thousands of lives by dramatically shortening the vaccine development timeline. Gain insights into the complex decision-making process surrounding vaccine testing during a global pandemic and consider the balance between scientific progress and human safety in this 19-minute virtual conversation hosted by TED's Chris Anderson.