Diversity needed for COVID-19 vaccine trials

UT Health San Antonio, along with  University Health, is leading the way in the new Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trial. Minority participation is key in order to ensure a diverse representation in the trial.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that Hispanics and non-Hispanic Black individuals have significantly higher odds of catching coronavirus. Those groups have almost five times the rate of contracting the disease compared to non-Hispanic whites and is just one of the many reasons clinical trials need minority volunteers.

"We want to make sure every vaccine candidate that we try protects people who need it the most," said Dr. Barbara Taylor, an associate professor of infectious diseases at UT Health San Antonio.

The study targets those who won't be eligible for a vaccine in the next several months. To sign up, call 210-469-3206. You can also find out more at uthealthresearch.com.

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