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VRC Vaccine Research Studies
 Understanding Vaccine Clinical Studies
 How to Volunteer
 Frequently Asked Questions
 Philosophy for Volunteer Recruitment
 Safeguards
 Current Clinical Studies
 Archive of VRC Clinical Studies
 Volunteer Profiles


VRC Vaccine Research Studies

How to Volunteer

The VRC conducts clinical trials to evaluate promising HIV, Biodefense and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease vaccine candidates.

If you are interested in volunteering to participate in a clinical study, please call us at 1-866-833-LIFE (5433) or e-mail us at vaccines@nih.gov. We will send you information about our clinical studies and follow up with you to answer any questions.

Once you agree to participate, we will follow the steps below.

Informed Consent

  • You will have an initial interview
  • We will tell you about the study in detail
  • We will answer any questions you have to make sure that you understand everything involved with participating in our trial
  • You will read and sign a consent form for the study 

Eligibility Screening

  • We will ask you to complete a health questionnaire
  • You will receive a clinical exam that includes blood tests and a physical exam

Vaccination

  • Over the period of a few weeks or months (depending on the trial) you will receive a vaccination or a series of vaccinations
  • You will be asked to keep a record of any physical reaction you have to the vaccine
  • We will monitor the effects of the vaccine through periodic blood tests
  • You will also receive physical examinations while you are participating in the trial

For more information on recruitment for VRC clinical trials, please read the VRC Philosophy for Volunteer Recruitment.

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Learn More about NIH Clinical Studies

  • Understanding National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Trials
  • NIH Healthy Volunteer Program
  • NIH Investigator Resources

  • Guidance regarding HIV anti-retroviral treatment in developing countries
  • Policy on Research Involving Human Subjects

  • Learn More about NIH Clinical Studies

  • Understanding National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Trials
  • NIH Healthy Volunteer Program
  • NIH Investigator Resources

  • Guidance regarding HIV anti-retroviral treatment in developing countries
  • Policy on Research Involving Human Subjects