KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Researchers are working on a new trial to see if the COVID-19 vaccine is effective for kids.
They are looking for 50 kids to join the trial. Participants must be between 12 years old and 17 years old, officials said. Researchers chose to start researching the vaccine's effectiveness on younger ages because students may soon return to school, and they said it's important they're comfortable returning to class.
Spanish Version: Doctores del Este de TN comenzarán ensayo clínico de Johnson & Johnson para adolescentes
"It's very important to have a vaccine available to this age group, so they can be comfortable going to school and getting the socialization, and all the other parts of going to school that they are missing because of the remote learning," said Dr. Bill Smith with the UT Medical Center.
Researchers said they chose to focus on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because it only requires one dose.
Anyone who wants to participate in the trial can call (865) 305-DRUG to take part in it.