EVMS begins trials of H1N1 vaccine

13 August 2009

The school is one of 15 U.S. sites testing vaccine developed by Sanofi-Aventis
News release

NORFOLK, Va. – Eastern Virginia Medical School’s (EVMS) Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology has begun human trials of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccine developed by pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis. EVMS is one of 15 sites nationwide testing the new vaccine.

Fifteen healthy adults age 18 and older are participating in the local trial, which is being led by Rex Biedenbender, MD, MPH, EVMS Health Services physician and assistant professor of internal medicine. Preliminary research has shown the H1N1 vaccine to be safe. The objectives of the trial are to confirm safety and the effective dosage. All subjects participating in the trial will be under close medical supervision throughout the study.

Administering the vaccine is a two-part process. After receiving the first injection, participants will return 21 days later to receive the second dose and for blood testing. Some will receive a placebo. However, all volunteers will be told at the end of the study whether they received the vaccine or a placebo, and those administered the placebo will be given the real vaccine. Follow-up care also includes a second blood test 42 days after the initial injection.

For more information about the H1N1 Flu visit:  http://www.msv.org/swineflu