Top Vaccine Experts Join Forces to Provide Objective Perspective and Analysis as COVID-19 Vaccine Data Emerge

Posted in News Release  |  Tagged COVID-19, global health, vaccine development

The COVID-19 Vaccine Analysis Team (COVAT) also offers weekly media availability.

WASHINGTON (October 12, 2020) — At a time of growing skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines, an ensemble of some of America’s most trusted vaccine scientific experts has launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Analysis Team, or COVAT, to provide rapid and objective expert analysis and communications on emerging information on COVID-19 vaccines.

COVAT aims to enhance understanding of and decision-making about rapidly evolving and complex science for the public, health care providers and government officials by providing information and tools to help people assess emerging information.

Along with publishing periodic analysis and commentaries, selected COVAT members will be available weekly to members of the press (limit 20) to discuss emerging news or information and to answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccines.

COVAT is chaired by former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse L. Goodman, MD, MPH, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Georgetown University Medical Center. Goodman is also a previous director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at FDA. COVAT is co-chaired by John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD, of the Immunization Action Coalition. He was previously Global Executive Director of Medical Affairs for Merck Vaccines and before that directed immunization programs for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The other COVAT team members are Mary T. Bassett, MD, MPH; Norman Baylor, PhD; Luciana Borio, MD; Miles Braun, MD, MPH; Bruce Gellin, MD, MPH; Peter Hotez, MD, PhD; Glen Nowak, PhD; Paul A. Offit, MD; and Walter A. Orenstein, MD. Together they bring broad scientific expertise and deep experience in relevant leadership roles in government, academia and industry.

“During this pandemic, communication about vaccines has often been confusing or misleading, placing both science-based decision-making and trust at risk,” says Grabenstein.

“COVAT will provide expert perspectives on emerging issues to help the public and policymakers make informed decisions about the COVID-19 vaccines needed to help end this pandemic” stated Goodman.

Members of the media, policymakers, public officials or others seeking information can reach COVAT by emailing COVATnow@gmail.com.