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Department of Pediatrics

Infectious Diseases Division

Department of Pediatrics / Infectious Diseases Division / Current Research / RSV Vaccine Study

RSV Vaccine Study

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Researchers at UR Medicine are conducting a study that will test an investigational vaccine for RSV, a virus that infects most children before their second birthday. If you are pregnant or have a child 6-25 months old, we hope you’ll consider participating. This study is voluntary. Families will receive up to $490 compensation for participation.

What is RSV?

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is a common and very contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract of children. Symptoms are usually mild, but RSV can cause serious illness. It is one of the main reasons for hospital visits in infancy and childhood. 

What is the Goal of This Study?

The purpose of this study is to test a potential RSV vaccine that has shown promise in previous studies. Currently, no licensed vaccine is available, although RSV is considered a global health priority. In the United States alone, RSV is the cause for up to 125,000 hospitalizations of infants each year.

What is Required for This Study?

A few in-person visits will be required but, most visits can be done at home. The expected duration of the study is between 6 and 13 months. We are coordinating with the following practices to provide the vaccine at your child’s regular doctor’s appointments.

  • Elmwood Pediatrics
  • Irondequoit Pediatrics
  • Long Pond Pediatrics
  • Mendon Pediatrics
  • Rochester General Pediatric Associates
  • URMC Pediatrics

Help us move towards a healthier future for children around the world.

In order to determine if you qualify for this study, please answer the following questions:

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Frequently Asked Questions

RSV viruses cause respiratory (breathing) illness in adults and children. RSV is a leading cause of viral lower respiratory tract illness in children. Lower respiratory tract illness includes wheezing, croup and pneumonia.

  • All children are exposed to RSV sometime during their childhood.
  • Usually younger children become sicker than older ones.
  • RSV usually causes an illness that includes runny nose, cough, hoarseness and fever.
  • Some children become more ill and have wheezing, croup, or pneumonia and may need to go to the hospital.
  • With good medical care, very few children die as a result of RSV infections.
No, there is no FDA licensed vaccine to prevent RSV illnesses at this time. This is why the doctors at the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Immunization Research, and the University of Rochester are working to make RSV vaccines.
No, this experimental RSV vaccine is still in the testing stage. RSV vaccines have been tested in adults, then in older children, and finally in younger children.  
Previous studies in animals have shown that this vaccine protects against infection with one type of RSV germ.
  • The study doctors and nurses will decide if your child is eligible for this study.
  • Your child will be eligible for this research study if he/she is in good health and has not already had RSV. To see if your child has already had RSV, a small blood sample will be tested for antibodies to RSV.
  • Your child must be up to date with his/her routine baby shots, and it must be 2-4 weeks since he/she received any routine baby shots and at least 3 days since he/she received the influenza shot.
  • Your child cannot be in this study if he/she has wheezed more than one time or has wheezed in the last year.
  • Your child cannot have asthma or any problem fighting infection (Immune deficiency, HIV/AIDS).
  • Your child cannot be taking steroid medicines or antibiotic medicine within 3 days of receiving the study product.
  • No infants less than 6 months of age can be in your home or your child’s daycare.
The study doctor or nurse will give your child the vaccine or placebo. It will be given either in your child’s doctor's office or at one of our study offices where there is medical equipment available in case of an emergency.
We do not expect any serious reactions to the vaccine or placebo. If any symptoms occur, your child will receive prompt, appropriate medical care at no cost to you.
  • The visit when your child receives the vaccine or placebo must take place at a medical office.
  • All of the other visits can be either at your home or a medical office, whichever works best for your family. IF a Stay at Home Order is in effect a Telehealth visit may be arranged.
  • During the study, we will tell you the dates of visits and telephone calls and provide reminder texts.
One of the study nurses or staff will arrange daily contact with you. You can choose to call, text or email us, or we can contact you every day when there is no study visit. You can also contact us at any time that you have a concern about your child. We have cell phones and are available 24 hours a day during the first 28 days of the study.