RSV is one of the most common reasons babies and young children are admitted to hospital, often resulting in severe complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, yet there is currently no vaccine to prevent it.
We are looking for healthy toddlers to take part in an important study investigating a potential vaccine to prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) disease in young children.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common virus that can cause infection of the airways and lungs in people of all ages. Most infections cause a simple cold (e.g. cough, runny nose, sore throat), but in babies and young children it can be more serious. RSV is a common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small air passages in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lung).
In some cases, severe RSV infection in young children may cause wheeze, and/or asthma later in childhood.
What will researchers investigate?
Researchers involved in this study will be looking at how a new RSV vaccine could stimulate the immune system to provide protection from the virus. Your child’s participation in the RSV Study for Toddlers has the potential to impact the health of young children on a global scale and pave the way for development of the world’s first RSV vaccine.
What does the study involve?
The study will involve your child attending our study clinic at the Perth Children’s Hospital for vaccination and check-ups, including:
- An initial appointment to make sure that your child is eligible to take part in the study.
- Three vaccinations each about one month apart, either the RSV vaccine or a placebo vaccine (randomly assigned).
- General health check-ups by the study doctors and nurses.
- Check-ups for viruses, including RSV, by swabbing the inside of your child’s nose.
- Four follow-up blood tests to check your child’s immune response to the vaccine.
Participation in the study will be for approximately 18-21 months. Involvement is voluntary and you will be reimbursed for your travel costs.
Who can take part?
We are looking for healthy toddlers aged between 12 and 23 months of age to participate in the study.
Please contact the study staff at the Vaccine Trials Group if you would like more information or to get involved.
Phone: 0400 450 240
Email: RSVtoddler@telethonkids.org.au