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UMass Medical School is recruiting adolescents in a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in minors.
The trial, which begins early next month, will be the first time the shot has been tested on people under the age of 18.
Moderna, the Cambridge-based biotechnology company, expects 3,000 participants between the ages of 12 and 17 to be tested at sites nationwide, including UMass Medical in Worcester. The study will last a little over a year and will include six clinic visits. Two-thirds of the participants will receive the vaccine while the rest will receive a placebo.
UMass researchers say they are trying to recruit participants from across the community, particularly focusing on minority groups who have suffered the greatest impact from the virus.
Moderna’s vaccine is currently licensed for adults 18 years of age and older, while Pfizer’s vaccine is licensed for people 16 years of age and older. Pfizer is conducting a similar trial for people aged 12 to 15.
Teens and their families can check if they are eligible for the trial and find out more at TeenCOVEStudy.com.
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