Current Studies/Volunteer Opportunities
Research Study on a Leishmaniasis Vaccination
The University of Iowa Vaccine Research and Education Unit is conducting a study on a leishmaniasis vaccination. You are invited to participate in the study if you are in good health and between the ages of 18 and 49. The study is looking at the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a leishmaniasis vaccine. The study lasts up to 18 months and there are 17 clinic visits and 1 phone call. Compensation is provided. To learn more, call 319-356-4848 or e-mail recruit-vaccine-research@uiowa.edu.
This research study will evaluate a study vaccine that has been designed to target an infectious disease called leishmaniasis. This disease is caused by a parasite that is present in many developing countries. About 500,000 new cases of the most severe form of leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis, occur each year. It is a significant infection for people who live in many developing countries, but also has caused disease in our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and in travelers who visit countries where this parasite lives. The current medications that treat leishmaniasis are toxic, difficult to administer and expensive. More importantly, these medications often fail to cure people who are infected with leishmania parasites.
A vaccine could prove to be the most effective method to control leishmaniasis. Vaccines can help prevent illness by causing the body to make antibodies and stimulate other cells that fight infection. Later, after an individual is exposed to the vaccine parasite, these antibodies and cells might help attack and kill the parasite. The individual may not get sick at all, or may have a much shorter or milder illness.
Research Study on a Pneumococcal Vaccine for Adults ages 55 to 74 Years
The Vaccine Research and Education Center at the University of Iowa is conducting a clinical trial to study the effectiveness and safety of a pneumococcal vaccine (pneumonia shot) given at different dosages.
Individuals between the ages of 55 to 74 who are in good health are invited to participate in this study. To be eligible for the study either you have not been vaccinated with the pneumonia shot or you have been vaccinated with the pneumonia shot once at least 3 years ago but not more than 7 years.
The study lasts for 6 months and involves 3-4 study visits and 1 phone call.
Compensation is provided. To learn more, call 319-356-4848 or e-mail recruit-vaccine-research@uiowa.edu.
Research Study on the Treatment of Influenza
The University of Iowa is conducting a research study on treating Influenza. This research will evaluate the effectiveness of Tamiflu, a drug used to treat Influenza, versus a placebo. Individuals who are experiencing influenza like symptoms, such as a fever, headache, runny nose, cough, body aches, and fatigue are invited to participate in the study. Symptoms mush have started less than 48 hours ago. Compensation is available.
For more information, please call 319-356-4848 or email
recruit-vaccine-research@uiowa.edu.
Rotavirus
Healthy children born at 37 weeks or later of pregnancy and 6-14 weeks old, who have not received the rotavirus vaccine, are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Children's Hospital research study on rotavirus vaccines.
The study includes 3-4 face to face visits (all but 1 will occur with routine clinic visits) and 2-3 phone call visits over an 8-10 month period. The study visits will be performed in a child-friendly manner. Compensation is provided. For more information, call: 319-356-4848 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or email recruit-vaccine-research@uiowa.edu.