VCU news

By Malorie Burkett and Sathya Achia Abraham

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers are enrolling young children and seniors in a national clinical trial of a vaccine for H1N1 influenza virus.

Linda D. Meloy, M.D., principal investigator of the study at VCU, is working with participants between the ages of 3 and 8 as part of an important clinical research trial to ensure a vaccine against the new H1N1 influenza virus is found. Dr. Peter Boling, chair in the Division of General Medicine at VCU is the principal investigator for the geriatric study for adults 65 and older at the VCU site.

Volunteers interested in participating in the studies can call 804.628.0100 or email: H1N1@vcu.edu.

“This is very important work being done at VCU on behalf of the nation,” said Karen Remley, M.D., Virginia’s Health Commissioner. “The H1N1 virus remains highly unpredictable and contagious. The development of a safe and effective H1N1 vaccine will go a long way toward providing all residents with the protection they need against this illness.  At the same time, it is important for residents to make arrangements to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu as early as possible.”  

Novel influenza A, or H1N1 – previously referred to as “swine flu” – is a new influenza virus that was first detected in humans in April 2009 in Mexico and the United States. Since then, the virus has been detected in more than 70 countries.  The fast spread of the virus led the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6, making it the first influenza pandemic declared in more than 40 years.

Because there is little or no pre-existing natural immunity – or protection – to these viruses, there is a risk that pandemic flu may lead to higher rates of severe illness and death than seasonal influenza, although it is not now known how severe the virus will be.

Seasonal influenza is associated with approximately 36,000 deaths per year in the United States alone, mostly in individuals with chronic diseases or the elderly.

There is currently no vaccine or medication available to protect against the new pandemic strain of flu, although there are medications available that may help to reduce the severity of symptoms. While an H1N1 influenza vaccine is not currently available to the general public, a clinical research trial is being conducted through local physicians to assess an investigational H1N1 influenza vaccine and its ability to produce immunity against this new virus.