FDA commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn says the agency could approve a coronavirus vaccine before the phase three trials are over, but that the benefits would have to outweigh the risks.

More than 6 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and more than 183,000 have died.

As the virus continues to spread around the world, the race is on to develop a vaccine. In the U.S., two vaccines are currently in phase three of clinical trials - which is the step that determines whether a vaccine is effective and safe or not.

Hahn says the FDA may allow drugmakers to put the vaccines on the market before finishing clinical trials.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Hahn says the FDA might be willing to grant an emergency use authorization or even an approval if a vaccine maker applies for one and the FDA agrees.

Experts are concerned about rushing a vaccine to market before clinical trials are complete.

There is another challenge drugmakers and health experts will both face. A recent CNN poll shows that 40% of Americans say they wouldn't get the vaccine, even if it was available.