Thank you for your interest in the SHIELD-Utah study (Study of Healthcare Workers and First Responders Investigating Effects Systemic and Local of COVID-19 Vaccine Doses), which we are conducting beginning in the fall of 2024.
The purpose of this study is to compare the reactogenicity, or short-term side effects, of the Novavax and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in healthcare workers and first responders.
Who Can Participate?
To participate in the SHIELD-Utah study, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be employed as a full-time or part-time healthcare worker or first responder who has direct face-to-face contact (defined as being within 3 feet, or about an arm’s length) with patients for at least 20 hours a week.
- Intend to receive a dose of an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
- Have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the past four years.
- Be comfortable reading and responding to text messages and emails sent in English or have an interpreter to assist you.
- Have access to the internet (via cell phone, laptop, desktop, or tablet) to complete online surveys.
- Be able and willing to complete the study activities.
Some reasons you may not qualify to take part in this study are:
- You are participating in other vaccine or investigational product trials within 90 days of study enrollment.
- You have a history of self-reported severe allergic reaction to prior COVID-19 vaccine.
- You received a COVID-19 vaccine within the past 60 days.
- You plan to receive additional vaccines within seven days after the vaccination visit for study enrollment. (Co-administered vaccinations at time or day of COVID-19 vaccination are permissible).
Which Vaccines Are Part of the Study?
The two types of COVID-19 vaccines being evaluated in this study are the Novavax 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine and the Pfizer 2024-2025 updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
The Novavax vaccine has received Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safe use in individuals aged 12 years and older.
The Pfizer vaccine has received FDA approval for safe use in individuals aged 12 years and older.
What is Involved?
- Schedule and attend appointment at one of our clinic locations.
- At appointment, complete an informed consent and HIPAA authorization form, as well as an eligibility questionnaire, and receive your choice of Novavax 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine or Pfizer 2024-2025 updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
- Complete a brief online survey on both the second and seventh days after vaccination regarding short-term side effects such as arm soreness, fatigue, fever, and headaches.
- Receive up to $120 e-gift cards in compensation.
If you would like to learn more about this study, select Frequently Asked Questions.
Learn More About COVID-19 Vaccines
University of Utah Study Team
