+ Is there already a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?

Currently, there are no FDA approved vaccines to prevent COVID-19. Our site, as well as others, are currently enrolling participants into a Phase 3 study to confirm vaccine efficacy and safety.

+ Is the vaccine being studied safe?

Safety is our top priority. Everything possible will be done to minimize risks. This Phase 3 study was approved as the result of the Phases 1 & 2 studies which evaluated the safety of the vaccine. The FDA reviewed results from the previous studies and determined that this investigational vaccine was safe to move forward with a Phase 3 study.

+ What is a Phase 1, 2 and 3 study?

Phase 1 and 2 vaccine studies give a study drug to relatively small numbers of people, to see if there are any major safety concerns and if the agent produces a response that might prevent disease. For the vaccine we are studying, over 1000 volunteers participated in the Phase 1 and 2 studies.

Phase 3 vaccine studies are very large, in this case will include 30,000 participants, and are designed to definitively show whether the vaccine prevents disease and is safe in large numbers of people.

+ If I participate in this vaccine study, can it give me COVID-19?

No, because this vaccine does not contain a live virus and therefore can’t infect a person with COVID-19. As with other vaccines, mild side effects of localized pain and swelling are common as well as fatigue or fever as your body responds to the vaccine. This response is not COVID-19 infection.

If someone who receives the virus and gets infected, it is not from the vaccine and would be from exposure during the course of their daily life.

+ Am I guaranteed to receive the vaccine??

No. As this is a study, two thirds of participants will be assigned, by chance, to receive the investigational vaccine and one third the placebo, which is saltwater. Neither you nor the study team will know which you received until the study is over. Studies are designed this way so scientists and researchers can actually know if the vaccine is more effective than no treatment.

Assessments and compensation are the same regardless of which product you receive.

+ Do I have to pay to participate or is it free?

You will have no out of pocket expenses.

All participants will be compensated, as we appreciate and value your time and commitment. The compensation for your time and travel costs will vary depending upon the number of study visits you complete and other factors. Details will be provided during the consenting process.

+ What does it mean to enroll—what is the time commitment and process?

The vaccine will be administered at two separate appointments; one dose on the first day of your participation and the second dose 26 to 32 days later. During the first year there will typically be at least four additional visits for blood work. You will also need to be seen if you develop any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

In the months that follow, our researchers will stay in touch with you and your fellow volunteers via call/text/email, with a handful of in-person follow ups. This observation period is key to our understanding of how this vaccine works. If significantly fewer volunteers in the vaccine group than the placebo group become ill, this will provide solid evidence that this vaccine is effective.

+ What happens after I complete the screening form?

Your answers to the questionnaire will help us determine if you may qualify to be eligible for the current vaccine study. We will contact you after your responses are submitted to discuss whether you are eligible to participate, answer any questions that you have, and provide further details about the study.

+ How long does it take? What should I expect?

We are one of the multiple sites participating in the AstraZeneca vaccine trial, which started in August and will continue until 30,000 volunteers have been enrolled nationwide.

Eligible participants will receive an appointment between Monday - Friday that works for their schedule and the site. The first appointment will take 1-2 hours to review your medical history, go over any questions, complete a physical exam as well as send laboratory tests (swabs and blood), and administering the investigational vaccine or placebo. A second vaccine (booster) will be given 29 days later.

There will be at least four additional visits during the first year of study, with at least one more visit during the second year.

+ Who can participate?

In terms of eligibility for the study, individuals without a history of lab confirmed COVID-19 disease are potentially eligible.

We want to ensure that this vaccine will be safe and effective for all Angelenos, especially those that have increased risks for complications to COVID-19. Enrolling communities most at risk is critical in order to understand if and how the vaccine can help them. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected under-represented communities (including Black and Latinos) as well as those that are older or with underlying medical conditions. With that in mind, our highest priority will be enrolling volunteers demonstrated to be disproportionately affected and that are at risk for exposure to COVID-19 – such as those currently working outside the home or living with people at risk.

+ Are there exclusions to participate?

We will go over your medical history after completing the screening survey to discuss eligibility. We want to ensure that participating in this vaccine study for each volunteer is conducive to their current health needs. Some general exclusions include:

• History of lab-confirmed COVID-19
• Children (those under the age of 18) and women pregnant or desiring to become pregnant.
• Uncontrolled severe medical conditions that could require hospitalization
• Medical conditions or medications that weaken the immune system (well controlled HIV is not an exclusion)
• History of severe reactions or neurologic diseases after receipt of vaccines in the past

+ I am not a US Citizen. Can I participate?

Absolutely! This study is for all eligible, regardless of citizenship status.

+ Am I going to be exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine as a part of this study?

No. We will not expose any participant to COVID-19. We expect that some people will be exposed to the virus in their everyday lives, and may become sick. We will compare the 2 groups (vaccine or placebo) to see if there are fewer people who get sick in the vaccine group than in the placebo group. This is how we will know if the vaccine works.

+ How does my participation help?

An effective vaccine is how we end pandemics.

Your participation will support major strides on the path towards stopping COVID-19 and allowing your loved ones and neighbors to safely go about their days.

+ Do I need to get clearance from my doctor to participate? Should I?

No. If you have current medical conditions, we will discuss these further during the screening process.

+ I’m unsure or have questions. How can I contact you?

Please call at (310) 222-3848

+ Where is the vaccine site?

1124 W. Carson St. Torrance, CA 90502

+ Can I show up at the vaccine site to determine eligibility or for a walk-in appointment?

No, at this time appointments are only made after an individual has completed the screening questionnaire and been determined eligible. Any walk-ins will be provided directions to this website to complete the screening questionnaire for a future potential appointment.

Please complete the screening questionnaire to begin the process to help us stop COVID-19 today.