Loading the survey
Flu vaccine research study for adults 65 and older
See if you qualify for this flu vaccine study
About 3 minutes, one question at a time
Nothing is sent until you choose to send it on the last step.
SMS Clinical Research in Mesquite is running a research study of a new flu vaccine for adults 65 and older. It's testing how well an experimental mRNA flu vaccine prevents flu this season. Answer a few short questions to see if the study could be a fit for you or someone you care for.
About this study
SMS Clinical Research is testing an experimental mRNA flu vaccine in adults 65 and older to see how well it prevents flu. Everyone who joins gets one flu shot in the upper arm. Chance decides whether you get the study vaccine or an approved high-dose flu vaccine, and neither you nor the study team will know which one you got.
At your first visit, the team checks your health, takes a blood sample and gives you the shot. You'll stay at least 30 minutes afterward so they can check on you. Through the flu season, which runs to about the end of April, you'll keep a short symptom diary in a phone app. If you get flu-like symptoms, you'll do a quick nasal swab at home and let the team know. If you don't have a phone that works with the app, the team can lend you a device.
After the shot, some people have a sore arm, headache, fever or chills. These usually go away within 3 days.
This is an experimental research study, not a medical treatment.
Who can take part
- Adults 65 and older
- No flu shot in the last 6 months
- Generally healthy, or with long-term conditions that have been stable for 3 months
- No past allergic reaction to a flu shot or an mRNA vaccine
- No weakened immune system, and no recent cancer treatment or high-dose steroids
- No lab-confirmed flu in the last 6 months
- Able to use a phone app for a symptom diary, on your own or with help
- Able to come to our Mesquite office for visits through the flu season
Meeting these points does not mean you can join. The study team checks with you first.
What to expect
- Someone from our team calls you to go over a few more questions and book your first visit.
- At your first visit in Mesquite, you'll have a health check and a blood sample, then get your flu shot and stay about 30 minutes so the team can check on you.
- Through the flu season, you'll log any symptoms in the phone app and do a nasal swab at home if you feel like you have the flu.
- About 4 weeks after the shot, you'll come back for a second visit and another blood sample.
- About 3 months after the shot, the team checks in with you by phone.
- At the end of flu season, around the end of April, there's a final check-in, usually by phone.
- If you do get flu symptoms, you'll come in for one extra visit so the team can check on you.
- A few people are asked to come in once or twice more. The team will tell you at your first visit if that's you.
Compensation
You'll be paid $150 for each study visit and $40 for each phone check-in, after each one is done. This covers your time and travel.
Common questions
Will I get a flu shot either way?
Yes. Everyone gets a flu vaccine. By chance, it's either the study vaccine or an approved high-dose flu vaccine.
I already got my flu shot this year. Can I still join?
If you've had a flu shot in the last 6 months, you can't join this study. If you do join, you'll be asked not to get another flu shot while you're in it.
Is this a treatment?
No. It's a research study of an experimental vaccine, and it may or may not help you.
Does it hurt?
It's a regular shot in the arm plus two blood draws. Some people have a sore arm or feel tired for a day or two afterward.
Do you come to my home?
No. All study visits happen at our office at 400 W. Kearney St in Mesquite, and some check-ins are by phone.
Do I need a smartphone?
The symptom diary runs on a phone app. If you don't have a phone that works with it, the team can give you a device to use during the study.
Can a family member help?
Yes. You can name a caregiver to help with the phone app and the nasal swab, or to bring you to visits.
What happens after I answer?
If the study looks like a fit, someone from SMS Clinical Research will call you to go over a few more questions and set up your first visit.
Research site
See if this study could suit you
About 3 minutes. Answering does not sign you up for anything.