The IWK Health Centre in Halifax is seeking healthy adults and children for H1N1
vaccine trials.
The IWK is one of several hospitals across Canada where the vaccine will be
tested, likely in late September.
The trials will be part of the process in getting the vaccine approved, an IWK
spokesman said Monday.
"They’ll be trying different doses of the vaccine that they’re working on right
now to see how people react to it," Nick Cox said.
"It’s very similar to what they do for the seasonal flu (vaccine)."
The participants must be 19 to 40 and must have never had a flu shot. The study
will also involve children aged six months to nine.
Those interested in participating can call 470-8931.
It’s expected that a flu vaccine won’t be ready for distribution in early
November.
Immunization programs could begin as early as this month in Europe and by
mid-October in the United States.
Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, has said
vaccinations could begin sooner if the virus surges before the flu shots are
ready and health officials are convinced the vaccine is safe.
The government will release guidelines this week for those who should get the
H1N1 vaccine first, The Canadian Press reported Monday.
Ottawa’s guidelines could mirror a U.S. government panel’s recommendations that
pregnant women, health care workers and children and young adults should be
vaccinated ahead of others.
Source : TheChronicleHerald
