The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has been selected as one of the sites for the KidCOVE study, a phase three clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in children. The study will take place at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison.
The Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses, four weeks apart. Participants are grouped in three age categories: 6 months to less than 2 years old; 2 years old to less than 6 years old; and 6 years old to less than 12 years old. Researchers are looking to enroll approximately 4,000 children in each group, spread over 75 to 100 study sites in the United States and Canada.
Participation in the trial lasts 14 months with at least four follow-up appointments during that time. To participate in the clinical trial, children will be screened via medical examination and medical record review to ensure they are in good health. All participants must be at least 6 months to less than 12 years old at the time of the initial screening visit. This is a placebo-controlled trial, meaning participants will either get the vaccine or the placebo. Participants will not know which one they get.
To date, more than 4 million children have contracted COVID-19 and more than 300 have died. This vaccine is identical to the one given to adults today, but this trial will help determine the correct dosage for kids.
View the full press release from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health 