A Vaccine for Isolated Populations

Author(s): Woody Gaines, Ph.D.

An isolated population of Native Americans is considered for testing of the efficacy of a vaccine for smallpox. The population has never before been exposed to this illness which often has been fatal to groups when they have been afflicted and when they were previously unexposed (e.g., Inuit, Hawaiians).

What considerations are relevant to a decision to include this population in the study?

How might you assess the risks and benefits of including this population?