To have volunteered for a vaccine trial?

[NotExactlyHappyToHelp]

I’m participating in a clinical trial for a new Covid vaccine run by the NHS. Had my first jab last week and feel great, not a single side effect. Not even a sore arm which I was pretty chuffed about.

I’ve had some really iffy comments from family members and coworkers along the lines of ‘I wouldn’t risk doing something like that, I love my kids/value my health too much’. I’m a bit shocked by the reaction people have had. One person is even giving me a wide berth ‘just in case’ (in case of what I’m not sure, I’m not likely to mutate 🙄).

Am I daft to volunteer for something like this? Would you judge someone who did?

I’m also on a vaccine trial (as my username suggests!) and have had both jabs now- I’ve not had one single comment like the ones you’ve mentioned. However if I did I’d just tell them to mind their own business.

I signed up for the clinical trials in the US, but wasn't selected. You're doing a lovely, selfless thing and will be very well looked after. Ignore the negative comments and carry on.

I'm also in a vaccine trial.
Some people have given me the "guinea pig" lecture but most have not.

I guess I would judge! everyone on a trial is amazing!

A friend is in a vaccine trial and I was well impressed when she told me. I think it's amazing.

I’m on the Oxford trial, first jabbed last May, actually finishing end of this month with any luck as it’s been a year now and I feel I’ve done my bit. Mostly people are interested ( or they were) no one cares how particularly my own children

I work in pharma and design/oversee clinical trials for various diseases - without people like you, we would never be able to bring new treatments to patients. Thank you for being a volunteer.
I can hopefully reassure a little that the trials are rigorously reviewed and safety of the participants is the highest priority

I’d love to do it for COVID, particularly the booster jab one. Unfortunately, currently under investigation for some health issues which include cancer, so I’d not be eligible. I’ve had both my jabs though so would be eligible and I’d jump at the chance if offered.

I did another vaccine trial about 20 years ago and it was great to participate. I’d be really happy to do it again.

Which trial is it OP? Most people I’ve told just seem quite envious that a) I’m double jabbed within a month and b) I’m getting paid to volunteer, very few seem bothered about the actual fact I’m getting a currently unapproved vaccine. Maybe that will change the naysayers tune!

It's easy for people to judge/comment on the riskiness of participating in a trial. But how do they suppose they'd have been able to be in the fortunate position of being able to have a tested, safe, approved vaccine otherwise?

For what it's worth I think you're brave OP. I'm not brave enough, despite knowing that broadly speaking it's actually normally very safe to opt into clinical trials. And I fully respect those that do opt-in, it's a really awesome selfless thing to do.

@valnevavaxx Ah that’s mine too . I’m a bit behind you but due my second jab in three weeks.

@Lollirocks Thank you for the kind words. I have absolutely no doubt how safe it is and how much work so many very clever people have put in. Thank you for being a part of that.

I knew I’d maybe get a couple of comments but I’m just surprised how many negative things people have said. A wide variety of folks too. I’m glad no one else has had the same reactions.

I salute you. I'm in the Valneva/Oxford vaccine trial too. Feel like a socially useful human being. You should be proud of yourself

Nope I wouldn’t judge. I volunteered as well, but wasn’t eligible as my DD still breastfeeds.

It's people like you, who think about other people, that have given the rest of us the current batch of vaccines.

👏👏👏

Well done OP. Thank you for what you're doing.

I'm on the Novavax trial - first injections were way back in October and I did get a few odd comments then but most people were quite supportive. I've found it to be a really positive experience and not had any problems. I volunteered as I felt like a way I could actually do something to help (I'm not scared of needles or blood tests) and this is how I've explained it to anyone who queried my decision. Thank you so much for volunteering - it's the only way these things can get approved!

I'd love to be in a vaccine trial; I wasn't eligible when they were recruiting as I thought I had already had Covid. I was part of a big trial of meds while pregnant with my oldest DC and always participate in medical research given a chance. So a big YANBU from me (and hearty "whatever" to the person who's avoiding you).

YANBU. I must admit I wouldn't want to do this myself, but we need volunteers to develop vaccines and treatments so I'm very glad there are people willing to take a selfless risk for the greater good. I would definitely judge someone who did this, positively!