Louisiana is taking part in clinical trials for children and the Moderna COVID vaccine. President of MedPharmics Dr. Robert Jeanfreau, which is conducting the trial in the Bayou State, said it does not matter what the medication is for, from heart disease to pneumonia, it must be researched for approval.
“Any drug when it has to go through the FDA approval process that includes children and pregnant women. So, when you are looking at a specific population studies have to be done,” said Jeanfreau.
Jeanfreau said based on the trials on adults the vaccine appears safe and effective for children.
Metairie-based MedPharmics is one of eight sites across the country participating and it includes children 12 and under and infants as young as 6 months.
Jeanfreau said the trial is broken into two groups and it is the same vaccine adults receive, what they are testing is the most effective dose.
“There’s three different doses that we’re using in the first part and that data will be looked at and depending upon on what the numbers look like determines which goes into part two,” said Jeanfreau.
MedPharmics is still looking for participants and Jeanfreau said the doses should be arriving soon and they can get started. Jeanfreau believes in the vaccine and said MedPharmics has been part of the research since the beginning of the pandemic.
“We need to get on top of it and move on to some fun things, having Mardi Gras and I firmly believe this is the way to do it,” said Jeanfreau.
To participate in the trial call MedPharmics at 504-304-7197
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