Adolescent CMV Vaccine Study

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus for people of all ages. According to the CDC, in the United States, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 3 children is already infected with CMV by the age of 5.  Every 1 out of 200 babies is born with CMV and there currently is no vaccine to prevent it. CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the US, yet 90% of women have never heard of it. There is currently no vaccine to prevent CMV.

Once CMV is in the body, it stays there for life and can reactivate. While most people with CMV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the infection, some may experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen glands. CMV can also occasionally cause mononucleosis or hepatitis.

CMV is passed through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, tears, semen, and breast milk. This happens especially in babies and children, from sexual contact, or from breast milk to nursing infants. Those with weakened immune systems can be even more affected by CMV experiencing symptoms that affect the eyes, liver, lungs, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Rochester Clinical Research is currently seeking volunteers between the ages of 9-15 years old to participate in a study to evaluate an investigational preventative CMV vaccine. The purpose of this study is to see if the investigational vaccine can protect children against the virus. The study is approximately 18 months long and includes 12 visits in total.

Study-related tests and procedures will be provided to participants at no cost and health insurance is not required nor needed. Compensation for time and travel is available to those who qualify.