Today@Dal

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious infectious disease that is still common, though vaccines have been available for decades. Canadian Center for Vaccinology is conducting a human challenge trial in Halifax to help pinpoint a way to improve pertussis vaccines and give us better immunity.

The study, called a human challenge trial, will safely infect healthy volunteers with mild cases of pertussis. The infection is carefully planned and controlled to ensure mild symptoms, and participants will stay in an inpatient facility to be monitored with healthcare present for the duration. Participants will be given a treatment to completely clear the infection at the end of the study or if they decide to leave. To participate, you must be 18-40 years-old, in good health, and available and able to stay in the Challenge Unit for 16-21 days. Participants are reimbursed for their time. 

Thousands of people have volunteered for human challenge trials around the world. Their participation has made a difference – and yours can, too. Find out more about the participant experience, the study methods, or sign up to participate here or contact ccfv@iwk.nshealth.ca or 902-470-8181.