Research centre wants to pay people to catch whooping cough, live in isolation in Halifax
The Canadian Center for Vaccinology is looking for volunteers to be exposed to whooping cough and live in isolation for up to three weeks in Halifax.
The centre, based in the IWK Health Centre, has put out a call for people willing to enrol in its human challenge trial for pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough.
The number of cases of whooping cough has reduced over the years thanks to vaccines, but the virus is still common and can be fatal for infants. According to Health Canada, between 1,000 to 3,000 people in Canada become ill from pertussis each year.
So in hopes of developing a more effective vaccine, the Canadian Center for Vaccinology is running another human challenge trial as part of its ongoing research of the virus.
Fact: #whoopingcough is a serious and highly contagious disease, affecting 1,000 – 3,000 Canadians each year. Babies are most at risk, but it can also affect adults and children. The best prevention is vaccination! https://t.co/dyqADslXOv #getvax #vaccineswork pic.twitter.com/MS61XNqnPW
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) June 15, 2019
“In the study, healthy, informed, consenting adults are intentionally exposed to a mild case of whooping cough and closely monitored by health-care professionals in a low-risk environment over the course of 16-21 days,” the Canadian Center for Vaccinology states on its website.
Mild symptoms are described as a runny nose or cough that may progress to spasms of coughing.
However, participants are given antibiotics early on to prevent the severity of the virus and reduce the duration of the symptoms. They will also be closely monitored and be in a room equipped with HEPA-filtered exhaust.
The trial will allow researchers to study how the virus affects people’s bodies and give them a better understanding of how Bordetella pertussis develops.
Has it been a while since you were vaccinated against pertussis? Are you 18-40 years old? Want to help with vaccine #research? Studies at CCfV are building foundations for more effective pertussis #vaccines: https://t.co/fGwmg9f2GZ
— Canadian Center for Vaccinology (@VACCres) April 26, 2023
But not just anyone can sign up to participate in the trial.
People must be 18-40 years of age, be in good health, yield normal limits during a physical examination and blood test and be able to stay in the challenge unit for the full 16-21 days and nights.
The centre highlights the duration of the stay, which participants will spend in an isolated room.
However, it’s more than a room with a single bed. Each of the 10 rooms has Wi-Fi, a television, mini fridge, workspace and ensuite bathroom. People are also allowed to bring items from home.
And when participants aren’t undergoing blood tests, blood pressure measurements or having EKGs done, they are allowed to spend their time however they want.
“Despite a short period of feeling under the weather, some volunteers from previous challenge trials have even described their experiences as a kind of vacation.”
“Some past participants in human challenge trials have used their time in the facilities to do remote work. Others have used the time to step away from their usual responsibilities,” the centre says.
“Despite a short period of feeling under the weather, some volunteers from previous challenge trials have even described their experiences as a kind of vacation.”
When a participant is deemed no longer contagious, they are able to return home – with a bit more money in their pocket.
Each participant is paid $350 per day/night spent in the challenge unit, as well as $50 per follow-up appointment. There are nine appointments within 12 months after a participant’s stay.
People can apply to participate in the human challenge trial for whooping cough by filling out the volunteer form on the Canadian Center for Vaccinology’s website.
