Today@Dal

The Canadian Center for Vaccinology is looking for participants who are 24-34 weeks pregnant to take part in a maternal RSV vaccine study, GRACE (investiGational Rsv mAternal vaCcinE).

The purpose of this study is to:

• Find out if the new vaccine given to pregnant women prevents RSV disease in their babies,
• Make sure the new vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their babies,
• Find out how well the vaccine can boost antibodies to RSV in pregnant women,
• Find out how well the boosted RSV antibodies are passed to the babies,
• Measure how long the RSV antibodies stay in the babies’ blood, and
• Find out if pregnant women who receive the RSV vaccine visit a health care provider less often for cold-like illnesses, and if RSV caused the illnesses.

Who is eligible?

You can participate in this study if you are:

• 18 to 49 years of age
• Between 24 to 34 weeks pregnant at the time of your vaccination
• Experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy and are in good health
• Willing to consent to have your baby take part in the follow-up study

What will I be required to do?

If you choose to take part, you will be in the study from the time you sign this form until six months after delivery. Your baby will be in the study from birth until their first birthday. Participation in the study involves up to 8 scheduled study visits for you and your baby. There are 5 visits for you over a 6-month period and 5 visits for your baby over a 12-month period. Some of the visits are combined. You will also be contacted by the study staff weekly or monthly (depending on the season) by a phone call or email. The visits will occur at the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) located at the IWK Health Centre. We estimate the total time commitment to participate in the study will be approximately 8-10 hours for you and your baby.

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Angi Perreault at angela.perreault@iwk.nshealth.ca

Please also visit our website for additional information: https://centerforvaccinology.ca/study/grace/