Frequently Asked Questions

Each study requires approval from the hospital Research Ethics Board and from Health Canada.  If the study is also conducted in the USA, FDA approval is required.

Participation is free.  You will be compensated for your time & travel.

The amount of Compensation received is based on the length of the study and the number/type of visits required. 

There are risks in taking any medication or vaccine.  The benefits of a study always outweigh the risks otherwise the study would not receive ethics approval.

There are always benefits and they always outweigh the risks.  If the participant receives a study vaccine, as opposed to placebo (if used in the study), the participant may receive protection offered by the vaccine.  Your contribution to the study is a benefit to others and to science.

We care for our participants in an unrushed manner and in a quiet environment.  A research nurse will be available 24/7 for the duration of the study period.

We ask you to call us if you experience any worrisome adverse event.  We will follow-through with you to ensure you receive the proper care to deal with any highly unlikely and unforeseen health problems. You will be asked to keep track of any changes to your health during the study period. 

Without volunteers, research into new vaccines would not be possible.  Our volunteers have the opportunity to receive new and/or updated vaccines.  Our past research participants frequently return for other studies because they appreciate the personalized care they receive.  They are happy to refer others to our studies.

All information is outlined in the consent form and it should be thoroughly read before participating.  All questions are answered before signing the consent form.  Participants can withdraw from a study at any time.

One of the biggest misconceptions about participating in a vaccine study is that it requires great amount free time.  The reality is that the maximum time per visit for a blood test and vaccine is 60-90 minutes and 30 minutes for visits requiring a simple blood test.  The total number of visits per study depends on the individual study; usually there are 6-7 visits spread out over the course of a 9-12 month period. 

Following a vaccination appointment, you will be asked to take your temperature and record any changes in to your health (takes 5 minutes/evening) for 7 to 14 days depending on the study.  All supplies needed for the study are provided for your convenience.

Appointment visits are scheduled according the participant’s availability, so they are very flexible.