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SLU to conduct avian flu vaccine trial for elderly

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Dr. Robert Belsche (UPI file photo)

By Maria Hickey, KWMU

St. Louis, MO. – St. Louis University's School of Medicine is conducting another clinical trial for an avian flu vaccine; this time with volunteers over 65.

Three previous trials have been conducted at St. Louis University; two with young adults and another with children.

Dr. Robert Belsche, director of the university's Center for Vaccine Development, says they're looking for volunteers who are over 65 and in reasonably good health.

"We're looking for people who are willing to participate in the study who are willing to have two injections of the bird flu vaccine, separated by one month," Belsche said. "And who would be willing to let us draw blood before and after each injection so that we can measure the amount of antibodies that are stimulated by the vaccine."

Belsche hopes the clinical trials could eventually lead to an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent avian flu infection.

Those interested can call 314-977-6333.

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