We are looking for healthy adolescents and young adults to participate in an important new study investigating a potential combination meningococcal vaccine.
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, or ‘meningococcus’.
Meningococcal infections are rare but can start suddenly and become extremely serious very quickly. While most people will recover, the disease can cause life-long disabilities or death.
Babies, children, teenagers and young adults have the highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
What will researchers investigate?
This study is looking at how safe a potential new vaccine (investigational vaccine) is and whether it may act as a booster in people who have already received a vaccine against 4 of the most common types of meningococcal germs that cause meningitis.
What does the study involve?
Participation in the study will take approx 12 months, including visits to our clinic at Perth Children’s Hospital.
- Four onsite visits and five follow-up phone calls throughout the study period.
- Three vaccinations, consisting of a combination of licensed and new meningococcal vaccines and/or a placebo.
- Regular general health check-ups by the study doctor and nurses.
- Three blood tests to assess immune responses to vaccinations.
- Reporting information after vaccinations, such as side effects, into an electronic diary on a smartphone or similar device.
Participation in the study is voluntary and reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed.
Who can take part?
Healthy adolescents and young adults aged 15 - 25 are invited to participate in the BOOST Study.
Participants must have received one dose of the MenACWY vaccine four to six years ago to be eligible to take part.
Is it safe?
Data obtained from previous studies where the MenABCWY vaccine was administered did not raise safety concerns and the product showed a favorable benefit-risk profile similar to the Men B vaccine”.
Who to contact for more information?
Please contact the study staff at the Vaccine Trials Group - part of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases based at Telethon Kids Institute.
Phone: 0400 450 240
Email: boost@telethonkids.org.au