University of Iowa researchers are looking for volunteers to participate in a study of a flu vaccine that’s widely used in Canada. University of Iowa epidemiologist Greg Gray says the study is part of the testing that must be done to meet approval for distributing the vaccine in the U.S. There have been shortages of flu vaccine in each of the past two years.
The vaccine being tested by the U-of-I researchers is “very similar” to the kind of flu shots available in the U.S. according to Doctor Gray. This latest round of testing is one of the last steps that must be cleared before the vaccine is approved for use in the U.S. Gray says they’re looking for healthy volunteers who either live in Iowa City or will be able to make three trips to Iowa City between now and May.
Participants in the trial must be between the ages of 18 and 49. To register, call 1-866-598-4358. “There is significant compensation to those who are chosen to participate,” Gray says. If you have diabetes, work in a nursing home or have lung or heart disease, you cannot participate. Influenza is a common malady that sickens millions every year and can lead to death, especially when the very young or very old get the flu.