U.C. Health/U.C. Researcher Becomes Participant in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

U.C. Researcher, Dr. Brett Kissela, “put his money where his mouth is” and took his first dose of COVID-19 trial vaccine Tuesday, Septermber 1.

NEWS RELEASE: Katie Pence, Assistant Director Media Relations

CINCINNATI, OH (September 2, 2020) – Tuesday, University of Cincinnati’s Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research at the College of Medicine and Chief of Research Services at UC Health Dr. Brett Kissela rolled up his sleeves (literally) to make a difference in the battle against COVID-19.

He received his first dose in the Moderna clinical trial, evaluating the effectiveness of a vaccine for COVID-19. Participants, including Dr. Kissela, will receive either the vaccine or a placebo and will be followed for two years. 

Last week, researchers at UC and UC Health administered the first doses to Jarelle Marshall, 37, an IT professional who lives in Cincinnati.

When asked why he was interested in partcipating in the trial, Dr. Kissela simply said, “Science.” As a researcher for over 20 years, he sees this as another way he can help advance the field of medicine and get us out of this global pandemic.

“When you’re in a clinical trial, you’re not only taking the opportunity to potentially have early access to something beneficial for yourself, but you’re helping the rest of the world by assisting scientists in learning about what works and what does not work,” Kissela said.

Here is a link to more photos, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati: http://creative.uc.edu/portals/pincollection.jspx?collectionName=%7B156059b0-b296-4459-9db0-3fedf67805da%7D