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UGA Researchers Seeking Volunteers for Annual Flu Vaccine Study

AP Photo/David Goldman

Residents in an around Athens can help take part in flu research efforts at the University of Georgia.

Every year the Center for Vaccines and Immunology assesses how the current flu vaccines are working. Dr. Ted Ross is head of the center.

“So we work with the clinical trials research unit over at the medical campus here at UGA and we are enrolling subjects right now" Ross said. "It’s a study where you get a free flu shot, you get compensated for each time you come in and blood samples are taken.”

Researchers are looking for diversity, people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to participate.

“We are looking for children, all the way up to elderly who can come and join us in this study.”

Ross says it's important to get a cross-section of people from the community.

"We like college students, but we don’t just want college students, we definitely need people who are older, different ethnic backgrounds. Our enrollee cutoff is at 10 years of age, so if you have children that you would like to get a free flu shot and participate in the study we’re happy to bring them in.”

He tells us how those interested can take part.

“So they can go to our website, the Center for Vaccines and Immunology or the unit on the medical campus.”

“So let me ask you this: Do you get a flu shot every year?”

“I do every year. I take it regularly, I’m ready for this season’s.”

Dr. Ross and UGA are heading a multi-million-dollar, international effort to develop a universal flu vaccine.

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