NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — We've been dealing with the coronavirus pandemic for months now, with no end in sight.
But we may be a step closer. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has started its COVID-19 vaccine trial and so far, doctors say it looks promising.
Volunteers will receive two shots of either the vaccine or an inactive placebo and will be followed for two years.
"We're excited to take part in a phase three vaccine study for new coronavirus vaccine which we hope will be one of the ways to end this pandemic," said Dr. Buddy Creech, the director of the Vanderbilt vaccine research program.
The goal of the study is to determine how effective the vaccine is in protecting against COVID-19 and how long that protection will last.
Bill Snyder, 67, says when he found out about the trial, he had no concerns about wanting to participate. He's already had a health screening.
"I wanted to help get the science moving along we really need an answer quickly as to whether this vaccine works so we can start immunizing people," said Snyder.
Synder's wife has high blood pressure another reason why he wanted to volunteer. He is set to start lab work in the next couple of weeks.
Vanderbilt is looking for more volunteers of 18 years or older.
Dr. Creech says they are specifically looking for those over the age of 65, or those with risk factors for severe disease.
"We know that this pandemic has disproportionately affected members in our black and Hispanic communities so we would love to make sure when the vaccines launch publicly people can look at trial and say someone who looks like me participated in the trial," Dr. Creech said.
To sign up or to get more information, contact covidvaccine@vumc.org or vaccineresearch@vumc.org
