COVID-19 Vaccine Trial FAQs

What is this vaccine?
How safe is this vaccine?
How many vaccine doses will I need?
If I take part in the study, will I definitely get the vaccine?
What will be required of me?
Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
 If I have had COVID-19 in the past, can I still be a part of this study?
How will the vaccine be given to me? 
Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
Will I get any compensation if I take part in this study?
Can children participate in the study?
Will I need to continue taking precautions (wearing a mask etc.) if I take part in this study?

A. The CanSino vaccine consists of common-cold virus that has been 'inactivated' so that it cannot cause an infection. A small, harmless part of the COVID-19 virus has been added to this to 'trick' the body in producing an immunity against COVID-19.

Q. How safe is this vaccine?

A. From previous studies, this vaccine can cause pain at the site of injection in 54% subjects, tiredness in 34%, headache in 28%, and fever in 16%. You can read more about the vaccine side effects in this paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31605-6

Q. How many vaccine doses will I need?

A. You will get 1 dose of the vaccine.

Q. If I take part in the study, will I definitely get the vaccine?

A. No, there is a chance that you will get a "placebo" or an injection of water. This is so that we can compare the rate of infection in those who got the vaccine and those who did not. However, if the vaccine is found to help, all volunteers will be given the vaccine. Who gets the vaccine is kept hidden till the end of the study.

Q. What will be required of me?

A. We will first check if you qualify to get the vaccine, as this cannot be given in some conditions. If you qualify, either the vaccine or the placebo will be given to you and a blood sample will be taken. We will check with you weekly for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. At the end of one year we will take a final sample of blood from you.

Q. Can I get COVID-19  from the vaccine?

A. No, it is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine as the vaccine has only a small, harmless part of the coronavirus.

Q. If I have had COVID-19 in the past, can I still be a part of this study?

A. You cannot take part in this study if you have had COVID-19.

Q. How will the vaccine be given to me? 

A. You will get a vaccine injection in your arm. 

Q. Do I have to pay for the vaccine?

A. You will get the vaccine for free if you take part in this study. 

Q. Will I get any compensation if I take part in this study?

A. We will pay for your transport and subsistence costs.

Q. Can children participate in the study?

A. Children younger than 18 years of age cannot be a part of this study.