FAQ

The development of a new vaccine or medication begins with the discovery of a new substance or molecule in a laboratory.

This is followed by a long and intensive process.

Only 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 500,000 of the identified substances eventually makes it to the market after 10 to 16 years.

Research into vaccines or medications proceeds in several phases:

1. Pre-clinical research

In this phase, substances are tested on cell and tissue cultures and in animals. Research is conducted on safety and toxicity, product stability, absorption and processing in the body, and the efficacy of the substance.

2. Clinical research

In this phase, studies in humans are performed:

Phase 1:

• Purpose: To assess safety, dosage, and side effects.
• Participants: A small group of 20-100 healthy volunteers (vaccine) or patients (medication).

Phase 2:

• Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and further assess safety.
• Participants: A larger group of 100-300 healthy volunteers  (vaccine) or patients (medication)

Phase 3:

• Purpose: To confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare with commonly used treatments.
• Participants: A large group of 1,000-3,000 healthy volunteers (vaccine) or patients (medication).

Phase 4:

• Purpose: To collect additional information after the drug has been approved and marketed.
• Participants: Various groups of healthy volunteers (vaccine) or patients (medication) in the general population.

Each phase must be successfully completed before the next phase can begin, and the results from these trials are used by regulatory bodies to decide whether to approve the drug for use in the general population.

Side effects cannot be predicted in advance. Based on previous research, doctors can estimate potential side effects.

This is always discussed during the selection process. In any case, your health is closely monitored and assessed by our medical team.

After vaccination, a post-vaccination waiting period is always provided in our waiting room.

No, we do not provide sick leave certificates or medical certificates.

We listen to our volunteers.

Therefore, we also appreciate your feedback via email at cev(at)uantwerpen.be.

The amount you will receive is a fair compensation for your time, travel and involvement.  In no case, consideration is given to the risks or possible side effects of the study vaccination.

The amount you will receive is up to €150 per outpatient visit, with the final amount depending on the study design. 

You will receive compensation for all visits you have completed every 3 months (December - March - June - September).

In case of questions about your compensation please contact us at cev(at)uantwerpen.be or by phone during office hours 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at +32 3 265 26 52.

Outpatient visits generally take between 1 to 4 hours after which you can go home. The duration is mainly driven by the required assessments that need to be performed.

The amount you will receive is a fair compensation for your time, travel and involvement.  In no case, consideration is given to the risks or possible side effects of the study vaccination/medication.

The amount varies between €3000 to €6000 for the full study; amount mainly driven by the quarantine duration.

The schedule for compensation depends from study to study and will be explained during  your informed consent process .

In case of questions about your compensation please contact us at cev(at)uantwerpen.be or by phone during office hours 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at +32 3 265 26 52.

Vaccinopolis is a modern medical facility specifically designed to help us treat and monitor you during the study.

During the study you will have your own private room of ± 35m² equipped with:

• Flat screen TV
• Netflix
• WiFi
• Ensuite bathroom with shower
• Microwave

All rooms at Vaccinopolis are identical. You will not be able to choose your room.

Between study procedures, you have free time.

You can watch TV, read a book, listen to music, play board games or use the pool table or ping pong table in the common area (if allowed).

You can also use your free time to work or study.

If you have approval from your employer and the study allows you to bring in your personal laptop/tablet then everything is available to combine your stay with work.

However, please note that you may not disturb other volunteers and tests may be scheduled according to a strict schedule from which no deviations are allowed.