Are Consumers and Investors Protected Against COVID-19 Vaccine Risks?
Over the past several months, investors have gotten a few reminders that experimental vaccines can pose risks to trial participants. In turn, unexpected side effects and delays in the clinical trial process can punish stock prices. AstraZeneca's (NYSE: AZN) coronavirus vaccine trial is still on hold in the U.S. after a clinical trial participant experienced rare, severe, and potentially permanent side effects. Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) also paused its vaccine trial earlier this month. Both monster stocks dipped by around 2% during trading after their respective announcements.
Even after a vaccine gets the green light for widespread distribution and sale, our current accelerated development effort may mean that unpleasant surprises in the form of side effects or supply chain difficulties are more likely to occur. Given this reality, investors need to understand how problems with a new coronavirus vaccine may affect their investments so that they can plan accordingly.
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Source Fool.com
