Participation by people of all backgrounds is critical to developing vaccines that protect against flu. Each new vaccine breakthrough helps us reach more people to prevent and reduce the spread of disease.
Learn more about our influenza (flu) vaccine clinical trial.
Getting vaccinated against flu is an important way to protect yourself and others from serious illness. Since flu viruses are always changing, annual vaccines must be updated as well. mRNA technology has made it easier and faster to produce vaccines that target the most common strains circulating each year.
This study will help us learn if an investigational mRNA-based flu vaccine is safe and can cause an immune response to protect against flu in generally healthy adults.
Who may participate
This clinical trial may be an option if you:
- Are at least 18 years of age
- Are generally healthy with no major changes in your recent medical history
- Have not tested positive for flu in the last 5 months
- Have not received an approved or investigational flu vaccine in the last 5 months
- Do not have a history of severe allergic reactions associated with any vaccine
There are other requirements for taking part in this clinical trial. The study team will explain these to you if you’d like to learn more.
Age
18+ years
Medical and vaccination history
Have not received a flu vaccine or tested positive for flu in the last 5 months
Each clinical study has its own guidelines for who can participate, called eligibility criteria. However, only the research study staff can determine if you qualify to enroll in the study.
Get started — See if you may be eligible
Answer a 2-minute questionnaire.
A first step as you consider this study is to answer a 2-minute online questionnaire about your health and medical history. If your answers show the study might be a good fit for you, you may choose to be referred to a study clinic that you select.
Speak with a study representative.
If you’re interested, you will then be asked to provide your contact information for a study representative to contact you and discuss the next steps.
Confirm your eligibility.
Your answers to these questions will only be linked to you if your responses indicate that you may be eligible to participate in this study and you choose to share your contact information with the study team. Pfizer study team members and our partners will have access to reports containing aggregated data that will not be directly linked back to you. Only the study staff can determine if you meet the study’s eligibility criteria and are able to enroll in the study.
What to expect
If this study is a good fit for you and you agree to take part, you will be assigned by chance (like pulling a number out of a hat) to receive one of the following:
- 1 of 6 formulations of an investigational mRNA-based vaccine designed to protect against 3 strains of flu, or
- A licensed flu vaccine designed to protect against 3 different strains of flu
This study does not include a placebo (injection with no active ingredients).
Participation lasts about 6 months and includes at least 3 visits with the study team.
The study vaccine and study-related procedures will be provided at no cost.
Length of study
About 6 months
Number of study visits
At least 3
About mRNA vaccines
About mRNA vaccines
mRNA-based vaccines are currently being researched for many different infectious diseases, including flu. mRNA vaccines work by telling your body to produce proteins that look just like certain parts of the virus. The immune system reacts to these proteins in a similar way to a real virus. As a result, certain immune system cells “remember” how to recognize these proteins quickly and fight the real infection if it happens in the future.
Your participation matters
Your participation matters
Frequently asked questions
What are the possible benefits of participating in this clinical trial?
You may or may not directly benefit from participating in this study. However, you will receive an investigational or licensed flu vaccine, and it is possible that you may benefit from seeing the study doctor. Additionally, you will be contributing to research that could help protect others in the future.
What are the potential risks of participating in this clinical trial?
The study vaccine may cause serious symptoms or side effects, including an allergic reaction. Study-related blood draws may cause discomfort, bruising, bleeding, and in rare cases, infection. There may be other risks that are unknown at this time. The study team will provide more information about the potential benefits and risks of taking part.
Are clinical trials safe?
While all clinical trials come with some risks, participant safety is always the top priority. Clinical trials are reviewed and approved by committees responsible for protecting the rights and safety of all participants. These committees continue to regularly review the trial’s progress to ensure there are no unnecessary or excessive risks to participants.
What kinds of tests and procedures will be performed?
At the beginning of the clinical trial, the study doctor will ask about your medical history, including previous vaccinations and any medications you are currently taking. They will also swab your nose to test for flu. You will have your blood drawn up to 3 times during the 6 months you are in the clinical trial. The study team will give you more information about all tests and procedures during your first study visit.
Will I know which vaccine I am receiving?
No, neither you nor the study doctor will know which vaccine you have received. The person giving the injections will know but will not be able to talk about it with you.
Is there anything I am required to do outside of going to study visits?
You will use an electronic diary (eDiary) to report any changes in your health every day for at least 7 days after receiving your study vaccination, or up to 30 days if symptoms persist. You will also receive a thermometer to measure your temperature and a device to measure any redness or swelling that happens at the injection site. The study team will provide more information about the eDiary during your first study visit.
What if I change my mind?
Participation is your choice. You can choose to leave the clinical trial at any time, for any reason.
