The vaccine has already been approved for use in Europe and its manufacturer is seeking FDA approval in this country.
Despite the roughly 5 H1N1 vaccines currently on the market, there's still a shortage of vaccines, so the government is hoping that another FDA approved vaccine will help increase availability -- and it's also a fail-safe, providing an alternative, in case any of the other vaccines turn out to have negative side affects.
Dr. Lawrence Chu is examining Monique Limon. She is taking part in the year long study by Benchmark research to test a new Swine Flu vaccine. Limon says it's worth it because she assured of getting a Swine Flu vaccine and doesn't have to worry about a shortage.
"There was a lot of worry that the vaccines that were available I don't know if my doctor's office was going to get a good amount of sample," said Monique Limon who is participating in a study for a new Swine Flu vaccine.
Dr. Chu is the principal investigating physician for Benchmark research that's studying the yet to be FDA approved vaccine.
"We're looking to see if this product has the same safety profile as the currently approved vaccines," Dr. Chu said.
Chu breaks down one of the goals of the study.
"They are basically trying to identify minimum dosing for maximum effect," he said.
That's because of the limited Swine Flu vaccine currently available.
"So now the goal here is if we can reduce the dose, will we get enough of immune response and if we get a smaller response, if we provide a second dose will the booster effect be exactly what we hoped it would be," Chu said.
Limon says she knows she's taking a vaccine that's yet to be FDA approved, but says she understands the risks.
"As far as long term affects I mean there's always that little part of me that just wonders but I believe in what I read and I trust what the CDC says and I felt confident we would be okay," Limon said.
Benchmark Research is looking for people between the ages of 19 & 40 who are willing to take part in this study.
If interested, you can call 1-800-369-2875. You do have to meet certain criteria in order to qualify.
To add a comment, please register or login.