Northwestern seeks 5,000 volunteers to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials
Northwestern Medicine is searching for 5,000 Chicago adults to partake in clinical trials aimed at understanding COVID-19 prevention, including potential vaccines, according to a Monday news release.
Researchers are asking for participants who are at high risk for being exposed to COVID-19. The first study is expected to launch in August, and it will explore a potential vaccine for COVID-19. Earlier phases of the same study showed the drug safely increased antibody responses, according to the release. Antibodies are proteins that fight viruses and bacteria in the body.
People who agree to be on the registry for clinical trials will be contacted when studies match their health profiles. Participants will not receive compensation. The trials will take place at Lake Forest Hospital, Central DuPage Hospital and the downtown Chicago campus.
Participants from high risk backgrounds include retail workers, health care professionals and public transportation employees. Others who live or work in crowded facilities, such as nursing homes, are included in this group.
The clinical trials need people from groups that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including African American, Latinx and Native American residents. Older people and those with health conditions are also encouraged to participate.
“We are casting a really wide net so we can make sure we have enough people identified and ready to go for upcoming studies,” said Dr. Karen Krueger, principle investigator of the registry and Northwestern Medicine physician and instructor. “This is vital to individuals’ and community health during the coronavirus pandemic.”
People who want to participate can call 312-694-0414 or email nuvaccinestudy@northwestern.edu.
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