Learning Center

Managing Common Vaccine Side Effects

Managing Common Vaccine Side Effects

December 31, 2020

With the emergency use authorization (EUA) of COVID-19 vaccines, many are wondering — and speculating about — what side effects may occur. Rumors have swirled about everything from fatigue and anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions), to Bell’s palsy (temporary facial paralysis) and effects on fertility. The side effects of authorized COVID-19 vaccines are likely to be … Read more

Why Do We Need Several COVID-19 Vaccines

Why Do We Need Several COVID-19 Vaccines?

December 10, 2020

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve likely heard news outlets and government officials refer to ‘the vaccine,’ or imply that scientists are all working on the same vaccine. In truth, many companies are developing many different COVID-19 vaccines. The goal is to identify the safest, most effective way to stop COVID-19. This may actually require several … Read more

Why are Children’s Clinical Trials Necessary

Why are Children’s Clinical Trials Necessary?

December 1, 2020

Many adults participate in clinical trials each year, but why is it necessary to have children’s clinical trials? Not all medications approved for adults can be ‘dosed down’ to safely work for children. Throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence, the developing body may react to medications much differently than in adulthood. Aspirin is an example of … Read more

Do Vaccines Contain Aluminum or Mercury

Do Vaccines Contain Aluminum or Mercury?

November 19, 2020

Vaccine clinical trials are in the spotlight. Endless worldwide media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and groundbreaking vaccine research have also reignited the public’s interest — and intense debate — about vaccine ingredients. One common question is, “Why do some vaccines contain aluminum or mercury?” The Role of Aluminum in Vaccines Aluminum is an adjuvant … Read more

5 Facts to Help You Outsmart the Flu This Season

5 Facts to Help You Outsmart the Flu This Season

November 12, 2020

Falling leaves, happy holidays, and cooler weather are on the way, along with less pleasant things, like cold and flu season. We’ve compiled five facts to help you get to know our unwelcome yearly visitor: influenza. 1: The Six Foot Sneeze While you can get the flu by touching a contaminated surface, the flu usually … Read more

What’s the Difference Between Active, Inactive, mRNA, and Other Types of Vaccines

What’s the Difference Between Live, Inactive, mRNA, and Other Vaccines?

August 13, 2020

Our clinical staff is often asked by participants whether or not vaccines can cause the infections they’re supposed to prevent. Or, put another way, “Is this a live vaccine?” This has been especially true for our COVID-19, influenza, anthrax, and Zika virus studies. The answer is almost always no; vaccines generally cannot cause the illnesses … Read more

Understanding Placebos in Clinical Trials

Understanding Placebos in Clinical Trials

August 7, 2020

Clinical trials are intended to test the safety and effectiveness on investigational therapies. So why are placebos used, particularly in vaccine trials? Placebos are particularly useful for helping researchers assess safety, efficacy, and actual side effects among control and treatment groups. What is a placebo though? Placebos are inactive pills, injections, or procedures that have … Read more

Can I Get Paid for Participating in a Clinical Trial

Can I Get Paid for Participating in a Clinical Trial? | All About Paid Research Studies

May 4, 2020

“Can I get paid for participating in a research study?” This is the most common question people ask Velocity online when considering signing up for a clinical trial. The answer is yes, you can get paid for study-related time and travel for participating in most clinical trials. While not all research studies pay participants, most clinical … Read more

Checklist Questions to Ask Before Joining a Clinical Trial

Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Joining a Clinical Trial

April 20, 2020

Participating in a clinical trial is an important decision, and you should be comfortable with your decision. Each study is different, but the informed consent process ensures you understand what will happen. You’ll learn about the product being studied, your role in the trial, potential side effects, and the visits required. You can ask the … Read more

What is a Clinical Trial

What is a Clinical Trial?

April 14, 2020

Clinical trials are research studies of medications, vaccines, medical devices, procedures, and diagnostics (tests). These studies involve people (a.k.a., participants), and are meant to determine whether certain experimental products are safer and/or more effective than currently approved products.  Without clinical trials, it would be impossible to develop new medicines, cures, vaccines, and other medical products.  … Read more