The University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine is looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical trial about the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children, the university announced Wednesday.
The clinical trial will look at safety and immune responses to the vaccine. Participants must be between 6 months and 11 years old. Children under 12 are currently prevented from receiving vaccines.
“Widespread vaccination is the best defense against COVID-19, and this rigorous scientific study may go a long way toward increasing vaccine access in this younger demographic,” Charles Lockwood, senior vice president of USF Health and dean of the college of medicine, said in a prepared statement.
Seventy-five percent of participants in the clinical trial will receive two injections of the vaccine four weeks apart. The other participants will receive a placebo. Participants will be followed for 12 months to monitor their health and safety.
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