Swine flu vaccine tests underway

The University of Maryland kicked off its tests of the H1N1 vaccine this morning with 67 adult volunteers. It's one nine centers nationwide testing whether the shot is safe and effective. The trial is the first step in what could be a mass vaccination campaign to start in mid-October, as infectious disease experts anticipate a resurgence of the new flu.
I'm spending the morning with volunteers and researchers over at the university and will be certain to keep you all updated as things get going. For now, here's the nuts and bolts:
Volunteers started arriving at 7 a.m. for an orientation session, briefing on consent forms and a medicalassessment. (Volunteers must be healthy to take part). Those who make the cut will get stuck and will remain on site for about 20-30 minutes in case of any allergic reactions, before they may go home.
Researchers will follow up with them in eight days for blood tests. Then, volunteers will return after two weeks later for another injection. If all goes well in adults, the vaccine will be tested in children as soon as the end of next week, said Dr. Karen Kotloff, the study's lead investigator.
Kotloff told me last week that she's been impressed by the response from volunteers. While researchers are still seeking people 65 and over to take part, they have had an easy time getting adults and even children -- especially those with doctors for parents.
"To me, that is very comforting," she said. "These are people who have a very good understanding of influenza and influenza vaccine, they have weighed, in a very personal way, what the risk and benefits are and have decided to volunteer their children. That says a lot."