How Policy Changes Could Impact Vaccine Trials and Public Participation

In a recent interview with Applied Clinical Trials, Ron Lanton, partner at Lanton Law, discussed the pivotal role clinical operations professionals play in maintaining the integrity of clinical research and ensuring regulatory decisions are firmly grounded in robust data. He emphasized that as federal guidance evolves and new technologies like AI tools are increasingly integrated into trial processes, the responsibility of clinical operations teams to oversee quality control, protocol adherence, and data auditing has never been more critical. Lanton also highlighted how shifts in policy—particularly those affecting vaccine access—can ripple through clinical trial design, participant recruitment, and public trust, with implications for both minority populations and broader investment in vaccine research.

ACT: If vaccine access is curtailed by policy shifts, what ripple effects might we see in clinical trial design, recruitment, or public participation in future vaccine studies?

Lanton: First of all, it’s important to recognize that public participation in future studies could potentially decrease to pre-pandemic levels if current trends continue. Federal guidance plays a huge role in shaping public trust, and trust has been a major challenge during the pandemic—especially among minority groups.

Historically, these communities have often been overlooked or negatively impacted in clinical trials. Without strong efforts to engage the public, participation in vaccine-related studies and public health initiatives may decline. Lower public trust could also affect trial design and recruitment, making it more difficult to conduct vaccine studies.

Additionally, lack of government support may influence institutional and industry investment in vaccines, potentially discouraging further development. The specific impact will depend on the circumstances, but if trends continue, the outlook is concerning.

Full Interview Summary: Clinical operations professionals play a critical role in ensuring that regulatory decisions are grounded in reliable clinical trial data and scientific consensus. A key responsibility is maintaining rigorous quality control and strict adherence to study protocols. This helps ensure the integrity and reliability of collected data, which is essential as federal guidance evolves. With ongoing changes in regulatory expectations, clinical operations teams must reprioritize auditing and management of trial data, particularly as new technologies, including AI-driven tools, are increasingly used to analyze information. Consistent oversight ensures that these tools interpret data appropriately and that regulatory decisions remain evidence-based.

Policy shifts affecting vaccine access can have wide-reaching consequences for clinical trial design, recruitment, and public participation. Reduced access and changing guidance could decrease public engagement in future vaccine studies, potentially returning participation levels to pre-pandemic lows. Federal guidance significantly influences public trust, and ongoing challenges in trust—especially among minority groups historically overlooked or negatively impacted in clinical trials—could further complicate recruitment efforts. Lower trust may also discourage broader institutional and industry investment in vaccine research if government backing is limited or inconsistent.

These dynamics suggest that clinical trials could face more complex design and recruitment challenges, requiring careful consideration of public perception, engagement strategies, and equitable inclusion of diverse populations. Maintaining robust scientific standards, transparent communication, and adherence to regulatory guidance will be crucial to mitigating these risks. Without proactive measures, both the integrity of clinical trials and the public’s confidence in vaccines and other interventions could be undermined, with lasting effects on public health initiatives and future research investment.