Volunteers needed to trial needleless vaccine to prevent bronchiolitis

 
Perth researchers are calling for families with young children to help test a potential vaccine against two of the most common causes of bronchiolitis.

The study is being conducted by the Vaccine Trials Group at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in conjunction with Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and UWA School of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza 3 (PIV) cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia in babies and young children.  RSV and PIV3 are a leading cause of hospitalisation of young children in Australia during the winter months.  Some infants and children suffering RSV and PIV3 may require intensive care and some may be hospitalised for many weeks.  

Study leader and head of Vaccine Trials Group, Dr Peter Richmond said a vaccine against these viruses would be of great benefit to the community.

“Currently there is no vaccine available to prevent RSV or PIV.  What is exciting about this trial vaccine is that it is given via the nostrils, making it needleless,” Dr Richmond said.

The international study will involve 720 toddlers and infants. The Perth group hopes to recruit up to 10 healthy toddlers and babies in two age groups:

• between 1 - 3 months of age, and
• between 6 - 24 months of age.

Dr Richmond said the study would assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and will provide information on the body's immune response, and the required dosage for future trials.

Parents will be asked to keep a diary of their child's symptoms and their child will be required to provide two blood samples.

Parents interested in finding out more about participating in the study can contact a study coordinator on 9340 8542.

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Media contact:
Tammy Gibbs
9489 7963 or 0408 946 698
tammyg@ichr.uwa.edu.au