Covid-19: Transparency and communication are key

[...]the regulator has made it clear that, despite giving emergency temporary authorisation, all the usual procedures were followed.1 Now we need to make sure that the vaccination programme is implemented well, say Azeem Majeed and Mariam Molokhia, avoiding the “many mistakes made during other components of the government’s response” to the pandemic.2 Given that this has to be delivered alongside an expanded flu vaccination programme,3 primary care must be properly funded, with special attention to protecting those most vulnerable to infection.4 Internationally it also means ensuring fair allocation and equitable distribution.5 Legitimate questions about the vaccines will continue,6 even after the phase III results are released.7 So too will questions about how governments are making decisions. The UK’s National Audit Office has been highly critical of cronyism, saying that in times of crisis it’s even more important to have a clear approach to managing conflicts of interest. Independent Food Aid Network gives a voice to those determined to make a difference.