COLUMBUS – A pharmaceutical research company is recruiting volunteers in Columbus to study the effects of a coronavirus vaccine on teenagers.
COVID-19 vaccinations have started in the U.S., but children won’t be able to get them until there’s enough study data showing the shots are safe and effective for younger ages as well. The Pfizer vaccine distributed this week is authorized in the U.S. is for ages 16 and up.
Aventiv Research is enrolling healthy volunteers ages 12-15 in the Columbus area for the trial.
Testing on children as young as 12 began in October and is expected to take several more months. The Food and Drug Administration will have to decide when there’s enough data to allow emergency use in this age group.
There is no cost to participate, health insurance is not required, and participants may be compensated for time and travel.
For information on eligibility call (614) 501–6164 or visit the Aventiv Research website.
Depending on the results, younger children may be enrolled for study as well.
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Ohioans filed 38,327 initial jobless claims last week, the sixth increase in the last seven weeks as a resurgence of coronavirus cases threatens the economy’s recovery from its springtime collapse.
The 2,000 additional claims represent a 5% increase over the previous week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Workers filed 274,658 continued jobless claims, 1% more than the week that ended Dec. 5. This figure is considered a more accurate measure of the health of the job market.
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits nationwide rose again last week to 885,000, indicating that nine months after the viral pandemic paralyzed the economy, many employers are still slashing jobs as the pandemic forces more business restrictions and leads many consumers to stay home.
The state on Wednesday reported only 5,409 new cases of COVID-19, less than half the three-week average but the Department of Health said some reported case numbers may be low due to technical difficulties.
There were 584,766 total confirmed and probable cases of COVID-10 with 123 additional deaths, bringing the total to 7,777.
There were 497 additional hospitalizations, The 5,143 patients in hospitals Wednesday occupied 18.5% of the state’s inpatient capacity.
The state’s seven-day rate for positive COVID-19 tests was 14.5%.