According to the World Health Organization (WHO), everyone is at risk of getting sick from COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus. However, some people are more likely than others to become seriously ill. Those include people 60 years of age or older and people with underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes or cancer. Some people from certain racial and ethnic groups may also be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing severe illness, regardless of age.
A clinical research study, also called a clinical trial, is a carefully designed scientific evaluation of an investigational medication or vaccine. Clinical research studies are conducted by doctors and researchers. A clinical research study helps to answer important questions about an investigational medication or vaccine, such as:
All investigational medications and vaccines must be tested in clinical research studies before they can be approved by authorities to be prescribed to patients. Without people taking part in these studies, we would have no new medications or vaccines.
There are always risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial. People who take part may be among the first to benefit from a new treatment. However, there is always a chance that the new treatment turns out to be no better, or worse, than the standard treatment. There could also be unknown side effects from the treatment. However, before a clinical trial can begin, a government agency reviews and authorizes it. They put strict rules in place to ensure your safety. Before you join any clinical research study, you should consider the risks and ensure that you understand what they are. The study team will explain all of the risks and benefits at your first study visit. They will be there to answer any questions you may have. Throughout the study, you will be closely monitored by a team of local doctors and nurses.
Several vaccines are already being rolled out to protect us from COVID-19 symptoms. However, researchers are not sure how long that protection will last or if existing vaccines will provide sufficient protection against the different strains of the virus. Therefore, continued studies are needed to see if a booster vaccine is needed and to test new and existing vaccines against strains, or variants.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form to see if you might be eligible for one of the studies (you will be told immediately). If you are eligible, we will match you to a clinical research study center in your area that is participating in the COVID-19 studies. We will also help you make your first study appointment at the study center. Please note that before being enrolled in the study, additional eligibility criteria will be checked by the study doctor or study team during the screening process.
Volunteers who take part in one of the studies may receive compensation for reasonable travel-related expenses. Some studies offer COVID-19 testing to participants at no cost, and the investigational vaccine is provided at no cost. Some studies may pay for study participation, but some studies may not. Please discuss this with the study team when they contact you.
The study-required investigational vaccine will be provided at no cost. Study-related care from a team of experienced doctors and nurses will also be provided throughout the study at no cost to you.
Participants are closely monitored, and their information will be carefully recorded and reviewed. All personal information will remain confidential, and participants’ names will not be included in any data reported.
A vaccine produces immunity that protects the body. The vaccines under evaluation in these studies are investigational vaccines, which means that they are still in the testing and evaluation phase. The investigational vaccines won’t give you COVID-19.
Clinical trial participants in these studies will receive their care and tests at a study center or doctor's office. We will ensure that we are doing all we can to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
Taking part in the study may not protect you from coronavirus. These studies are being conducted to help research potential vaccines.
Clinical research studies must undergo rigorous reviews and follow strict rules. These rules help to ensure that the rights, safety, and well-being of participants are at the forefront of any study.
Participating in a clinical research study comes with risks as well as benefits. Before you join a study, make sure you understand the benefits, such as getting access to medical care and maybe helping others in the future, as well as the risks, such as unknown side effects. Take as much time as you need to decide whether to take part and get as much information as you can. Before joining a study, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form, which will include a full explanation of the study, including its potential risks.
It is up to you to decide if you want to take part in the COVID-19 studies. Participation in the studies is voluntary. Please also consider: