Seniors, minorities sought for coronavirus vaccine study at University of Maryland, Baltimore

Working on a late phase trial of a coronavirus vaccine, the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland, Baltimore is seeking the participation of older adults and minorities, groups traditionally left out of studies.

Recruitment began Monday for the phase 3 trial for a vaccine developed by the Massachusetts biotech company Moderna along with the National Institutes of Health. About 30,000 volunteers are being sought nationwide, including 500 in Maryland.

Scientists say adults, 65 or older, as well as Black people, Latinos and other minorities historically have been underrepresented in studies for vaccines and treatments no matter the size of their representation in the community. But the scientists see inclusion as especially important for the coronavirus, which has disproportionately affected these groups.

For the trial, the last stage before potential federal approval, a person could be vaccinated with the actual vaccine or a placebo.