Re: Children volunteers aged 11 to 17 needed for HPV and Meningitis Vaccine research study

Coastal Carolina Research Center and Dr. Cynthia Strout are currently seeking parents who would be interested in enrolling their child(ren) into a research study of an “approved” HPV vaccine and investigational meningitis vaccine research study. The purpose of this research study is evaluate the protective immune response of these two vaccines when administered together.

Human Papillomavirus otherwise known as HPV is known as the cause of nearly all cervical cancers in women but is less commonly known as a leading cause of genital warts in both men and women. It is recommended that children in this age group receive this vaccine before they mature and are exposed to it over the next several years of their life as HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S.

Neisseria meningitides is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the United States and is regarded as being more susceptible in older children due to the social and “crowding” behavior (ie: classrooms, dormitories, locker rooms, etc..) of this population during this stage of their life and into their early adult/college age years. While there are meningitis vaccines currently available they do not protect against serotype B. Infection from this serotype, which is increasingly resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin, may result in neurological disorders, hearing loss and even death. The investigational vaccine in this study is specifically targeting the prevention of serotype B meningitis infection.

If your child is 11 to 17 years of age (males and females are welcomed), and generally healthy they may qualify. This research study consists of 5 visits over 7 months. All study-related care including the approved HPV vaccine and the investigational meningitis vaccine is at no cost. Qualified volunteers may receive up to $250 compensation. No health insurance is required.

If you are interesting in helping us with this important study which may protect your children’s health in the future, or would like to receive more information please contact Coastal Carolina Research Center at 856-3784, email us at ccrc@coastalcarolinaresearch.com or go to our website, www.coastalcarolinaresearch.com to apply online.

Sincerely,
Cynthia B. Strout, MD
Medical Director