The Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) is a collaboration of Dalhousie University, IWK Health, and Nova Scotia Health. It was established to develop, implement, and evaluate vaccine technologies and vaccines for infectious diseases that significantly impact Canadian and global health and to train experts in these critical and evolving fields.
There are many ways you can volunteer and make a difference. No matter how you choose to participate, you can play a critical role in advancing health research and make a meaningful impact on public health.
For a new vaccine to be approved for use in Canada, it must go through rigorous, multi-phased clinical trials to evaluate safety and effectiveness. Volunteers in these trials receive a test vaccine, approved vaccine, or placebo (saline solution) and complete diary cards and check ins to report any symptoms.
Participate in a Clinical Trial
Controlled Human Infection Models (CHIMs) and Challenge Studies intentionally expose healthy and consenting adult volunteers to a common mild pathogen. Participants in these studies spend one to three weeks in CCfV's Challenge Unit where they are closely monitored and cared for.
Visit ChallengeUnit.ca
Social Science and Humanities studies can help inform public policy or work toward making vaccination programs more equitable. Volunteering for these studies could include focus groups, surveys, or one-on-one interviews about your lived experiences.
Participate in Social Science ResearchWith expertise in bacteriology, molecular biology, virology, and immunology, the Discovery Group focuses on how infectious diseases interact with the human immune system, developing new vaccines, and more.
Vaccine Discovery GroupThe Evaluation Group conducts clinical trials that evaluate new vaccines and ensure they meet rigorous standards before they are widely accessed by the public. The group's work continues into the later stages of development with an emphasis on a vaccine's effects on disease burden and other societal implications.
Vaccine Evaluation GroupThe PPI Group helps other researchers and decision makers understand public opinion, public acceptability, equitable access, reviews of public vaccine programs and other issues surrounding the governance and commercial aspects of vaccines.
PPI GroupTogether, we make a difference. Whether you're a researcher, healthcare professional, industry representative, study volunteer or passionate advocate, collaborate with us on our journey toward a healthier world. Explore our current website to learn more, get involved, or support our mission.