"What will this trial tell us?" World Health Organization vaccine director Marie-Paule Kieny said. "Well they will tell us whether we need one or two dose per person for a vaccination?"
In the eight U.S. test cities, volunteers will receive a series of shots, some stronger than others.
Volunteers like Paul Ritterhoff will be closely monitored over the next several weeks.
"The opportunity to contribute to something to something that is really on the cutting edge of science, that has significance to lots of people around the world, is something that makes the risk worth it," Ritterhoff said.
While doctors say the trials are safe, potential side effects include fever, allergic reactions and a remote chance of paralysis and even death.
Early safety results should be available in September.
"The clock is ticking, and when children go back to school, children are going to be very susceptible to this virus," said Dr. Karen Kotloff, of the University of Maryland.
Last week, U.S. officials encouraged schools across the country to try and remain open even if a few students are inflected with swine flu, so that learning can continue throughout the school year.
---
WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
USEFUL LINKS:
SEND TIP OR PHOTO || REPORT TYPO || GET WIDGET
EYEWITNESS TWITTER || FIND US ON FACEBOOK
