As we write this blog, researchers are closely monitoring an outbreak of avian influenza among U.S. dairy cattle, assessing the potential risk of widespread human transmission. The federal government has stated that it could distribute enough vaccines within four months to inoculate a fifth of the U.S. population should the need arise. This situation highlights the critical importance of vaccine research and development in safeguarding public health.
Vaccines remain one of the most remarkable achievements in public health. It is because of incredible advances in vaccine research and development that we have been able to eradicate or control infectious diseases like smallpox, polio, measles, and Ebola, and more recently, mitigate the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond COVID-19, new strains of existing viruses and novel diseases continue to emerge, which is why there remains a crucial necessity to conduct vaccine trials to work toward breakthroughs in disease prevention.
There are many myths about participating in vaccine trials. The misconceptions and misinformation about these studies can deter individuals from volunteering, which can delay the development of important vaccines. By addressing some of these myths, we hope to promote trust in vaccine development efforts and ultimately enhance public health outcomes.
Myth #1: Vaccine Trials Are Unsafe
Many people worry that participating in vaccine trials will expose them to risks; however, the fact is that these trials are conducted with strict safety protocols in place, and after several stages of the vaccine development process have successfully been completed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are seven primary stages of vaccine development:
1) Research and Discovery
2) Proof of Concept
3) Testing the Vaccine
4) Manufacturing
5) Approving the Vaccine
6) Recommending the Vaccine for Use
7) Monitoring Vaccine After Approval
By the time the clinical trial stage begins, there have been upwards of 10 years of laboratory research during research and discovery, as well as deep study of a vaccine’s ability to cause an immune response (in small animals) during the proof-of-concept stage. When developers trial the vaccine, they have three to four phases of human testing. Aim Trials partners on Phase 2-4 vaccine trials, meaning that by the time someone participates in a vaccine trial, it has gone through extensive laboratory testing and smaller clinical trials to ensure its safety as much as possible. Additionally, participants are closely monitored by expert staff throughout the trial process.
Myth #2: Participants Can Get Infected or Participants Can Get Side Effects
Some are concerned that they might contract the disease the vaccine is targeting if they participate in the trial, however, vaccines used in clinical trials are formulated to prevent diseases, not induce them. They are designed to stimulate an immune response against a targeted disease without causing illness. Participants are also selected cautiously to minimize any potential exposure to the disease. Any volunteer is carefully screened to ensure that they don’t have a high risk of encountering the disease during the trial period. This myth comes from a misunderstanding of how vaccines for clinical trials are formed and how volunteers are selected.
There were concerns about the potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, fueled by misinformation and rare adverse event reports. While side effects like fever, fatigue, and arm soreness were common, severe reactions were extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweighed the small risks.
Myth #3: Vaccine Trials Are Only for Healthy People
Although there are many clinical trials where good health is preferred, the eligibility criteria for vaccine trials are often more nuanced than a simple “healthy” or “unhealthy” distinction. Researchers recognize the importance of representing diverse populations in clinical trials to ensure the vaccine’s effectiveness across different demographics. Aim Trials prioritizes maintaining diversity in medical testing by keeping a database of over 20,000 patients, with a makeup of 35% Caucasian, 30% African American, 15% Asian, 15% Hispanic, and 5% other minorities. Even if an individual has certain medical conditions, they still might be eligible to participate in a vaccine trial, depending on the specific requirements of the trial and the nature of their condition. When researchers include participants with a variety of health statuses and across different demographics, they can see how the vaccine performs in real-world scenarios. If you are interested in participating in a vaccine trial at Aim Trials, contact our team to learn about which studies you qualify for.
Myth #4: You Won’t Benefit Personally
Although participating in a vaccine trial undoubtedly contributes to important medical research that could help millions of people, there are indeed personal benefits to being a part of a study. The National Institutes of Health reminds us that participants with an illness or disease can receive the benefit of being among the first in the population to receive the newest treatment and that they have dedicated care and attention from the clinical trial staff. So, not only do participants move medical science forward, but they can also receive early access to potentially life-saving vaccines and high-quality medical attention.
Why Aim Trials for Vaccine Research?
Working to debunk the myths surrounding vaccine trials is critical for allowing individuals to make informed decisions about participating in these vital research endeavors. By addressing these false beliefs on safety, eligibility, and personal benefits, we hope to encourage individuals to consider participating in a vaccine trial.
If you or someone you know is interested in contributing to the advancement of global health efforts, Aim Trials is equipped to facilitate vaccine studies. Aim Trials has successfully partnered on Phase 2-4 trials for a multitude of vaccines, including RSV, influenza, COVID-19, meningococcal, and more.
As a multi-specialty site integrated within a private practice, Aim Trials has extensive experience conducting high-volume vaccine studies. For the RSVpreF trial, we achieved a 98% eCOA compliance rate. With our diverse database of patients, we are also equipped to recruit effectively across hard-to-reach demographics. Our team has exceptional retention and compliance rates.
Contact [email protected] to learn about our vaccine trial capabilities.