A NEW KIND

OF CHALLENGE

Help us take the first steps towards a better whooping cough vaccine

Are you up for a challenge?

Help us fight whooping cough and other common infectious diseases.

If you are 18-40 years old, we want to hear from you!

As a first step towards developing a more effective vaccine, CCfV is conducting a human challenge trial in Halifax to study how the disease progresses. You may be able to help.

In the study, healthy, informed, consenting adults are intentionally exposed to a mild case of whooping cough and closely monitored by healthcare professionals in a low-risk environment over the course of 16-21 days.

“This is the first time I'm being a big part of medical science. Once you are in university, you see what research can look like and how you can participate. This is a nice way to feel like I am doing something helpful.”

What can I expect?

  • If you decide to volunteer for a human challenge trial, the research team will start by checking if you are eligible. They will also make sure you understand all possible risks, everything you will be asked to do, and the reasons for the study.

    During the trial, you will be given a specific dosage of bacteria or a virus. You will stay in CCfV’s inpatient unit at the IWK Health Centre for 16-21 days and be monitored for symptoms. Tests (like blood tests, blood pressure, and EKGs) will be scheduled for set times during the day.

    At a pre-determined point (or if you decide to leave the study) you will be given a treatment to clear the infection. When you are no longer contagious, you will be able to return home

  • Challenge trials are specifically designed to keep participants safe. If you decide to participate, you can expect mild symptoms or sometimes no symptoms at all.
    Researchers also know what symptoms to expect and will plan for ways to ease them. If they are needed for any reason, healthcare workers and equipment are available around the clock (including mental health support).

  • While you are in the Challenge Unit, you can bring items from home and spend your time however you want to between scheduled lab tests during the day.

    Some past participants in human challenge trials have used their time in the facilities to do remote work. Others have used the time to step away from their usual responsibilities. Despite a short period of feeling under the weather, some volunteers from previous challenge trials have even described their experiences as a kind of vacation.

  • Your time is important, and we appreciate every volunteer for their contributions.

    Challenge study participants receive $350 per day/night spent inside the Challenge Unit and $50 per follow up visit.

Canadian Center for Vaccinology

The Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) located in the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, is a collaboration of Dalhousie University, the IWK Health Centre, and Nova Scotia Health Authority.

CCfV is Canada’s first and only fully integrated collaborative vaccine research facility spanning basic science, clinical studies, and social sciences. Focused on infectious disease and vaccine research, CCfV has conducted hundreds of academic and industry-sponsored clinical trials; surveillance studies; epidemiological studies; and social science studies.