... trials like these aren't particularly risky....
I always forget that this isn't one of the medical forums. (That is a compliment, Cmdrs.)
Should have pointed out the stuff below, instead of assuming everyone can see it. Your arguments are logical as always, and generally valid I would estimate. In fact, I concede. The following is just about the volunteer, because it needs be said.
It is my fault for not pointing out this stuff up front. The average well read person isn't trained to spot the connections.
Well, this trial involves using mRNA, instead of a standard protein type vaccine.
That increases the risk of autoimmune conditions. Like multiple sclerosis, or systemic lupus erythematosus. And those are very very bad.
This volunteer, Jenny, has TWO prexisting autoimmune conditions going in.
She has Hashimoto's thyroiditis. And she has asthma, a recent addition to the autoimmune list. But she's doing it anyway, most likely aware of the issue, (or why mention she has these problems? )
The situation is analogous to offering alcohol to a man with a bad liver. Or telling somebody with an osteoporotic backbone to do some falls. This is not the kind of risk we would countenance in our families.
Maybe it will be OK. Maybe it will become a cautionary tale. But if you have an autoimmune issue too, this is how we are going to find out how safe that vaccine is. And it could well maim, or kill Jenny. Maybe take out her kidneys.
She certainly doesn't deserve that.
So I judge her knowledge of the stakes to be as good as her bravery. She is the precise opposite of any antivaxxer waste of skin. Like a certain Lion, we all know.