Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://news.smh.com.au/people-needed-for-flu-vaccine-trial/20080331-22j4.html
People needed for flu vaccine trial
March 30, 2008 - 11:21PM
More than 7,000 fit and healthy people are needed for one of the largest flu clinical trials ever conducted in Australia.
Nineteen Australian sites and four in New Zealand are taking part in the study which will test the effectiveness of a vaccine already on the market.
Professor Robert Booy, of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance at Westmead in Sydney, said influenza put 15,000 Australians in hospital each year.
For this reason, it was important to make sure flu vaccines were still effective while the virus mutated, he said.
"About 1,500 deaths annually are attributed to the virus and it costs our country millions of dollars annually in lost productivity," Prof Booy said.
The trial is considered unusual because it will use fit, healthy people.
Participants will be given either a vaccine or a placebo - a dummy medicine - and asked to report any flu-like symptoms they suffer.
The flu is not the same as the common cold, and can last up to two weeks.
It is caused by a highly infectious virus and if a person's natural defence system is suppressed, they may develop complications such as pneumonia, which can cause death.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, influenza and pneumonia were the fourth leading contributor to all deaths as an underlying or associated cause in 2005.
People are eligible to take part in the trial if they are aged between 18 and 64, are in good health and have not had a flu vaccine in the past six months.
Those interested should call 1800 332 101.
? 2008 AAP
People needed for flu vaccine trial
March 30, 2008 - 11:21PM
More than 7,000 fit and healthy people are needed for one of the largest flu clinical trials ever conducted in Australia.
Nineteen Australian sites and four in New Zealand are taking part in the study which will test the effectiveness of a vaccine already on the market.
Professor Robert Booy, of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance at Westmead in Sydney, said influenza put 15,000 Australians in hospital each year.
For this reason, it was important to make sure flu vaccines were still effective while the virus mutated, he said.
"About 1,500 deaths annually are attributed to the virus and it costs our country millions of dollars annually in lost productivity," Prof Booy said.
The trial is considered unusual because it will use fit, healthy people.
Participants will be given either a vaccine or a placebo - a dummy medicine - and asked to report any flu-like symptoms they suffer.
The flu is not the same as the common cold, and can last up to two weeks.
It is caused by a highly infectious virus and if a person's natural defence system is suppressed, they may develop complications such as pneumonia, which can cause death.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, influenza and pneumonia were the fourth leading contributor to all deaths as an underlying or associated cause in 2005.
People are eligible to take part in the trial if they are aged between 18 and 64, are in good health and have not had a flu vaccine in the past six months.
Those interested should call 1800 332 101.
? 2008 AAP