Participate in a human infection study
What to expect?
Human infection study?
Also known as human challenge study or controlled human infection model “CHIM” study where you are deliberately exposed to an infectious pathogen (like a virus, bacteria or parasite) under well controlled and safe conditions to evoke an infection.
Sign up for a study that suits you
Find a study that suits you, for which you match the target group and sign up.
We will contact you to discuss your registration and we will invite you for a screening visit.
This screening invitation is free of any obligation.
Screening visit
During the screening visit you will be asked to sign the informed consent form (ICF) after you have been able to ask all your questions, and everything is clear.
After signing the ICF, we will check your health and whether you meet all the study-specific conditions for participation. We will ask questions about your medical history and medication use, take samples (blood, urine and/or nasal swabs), perform a full physical assessment and measure your vital signs, weight and height.
Participating in the study and being quarantined at Vaccinopolis
If you have been selected and you are still willing to participate, you can be enrolled in the study.
The study will be conducted at the quarantine unit of Vaccinopolis where you will eat, sleep and stay during the study for approximately 11 to 17 days.
Before your stay
You will receive detailed information on what is available in the unit and which personal belongings you need to bring with you.
It will also be clearly explained what is not allowed (e.g. smoking and alcohol).
Food, snacks and drinks will be provided by Vaccinopolis.
Upon your arrival
You will receive a tour of the facilities and an explanation of the emergency procedures, be introduced to the other participants, and you will have a room assigned.
You will undergo the same tests as on the screening visit, to see if your health status has not changed and to check for underlying infections. The results of these tests will be available the next day and will determine if you can still participate.
If you cannot participate you will be discharged and your participation to the study ends. If you are still eligible you will be exposed to the pathogen.
During your stay
Everything you do during the study follows a fixed routine: exposure to the pathogen, administering medication (if applicable) and all daily study procedures to monitor your health and the efficacy of the vaccine/therapeutic.
You will receive a copy of your daily schedule at the start of the trial.
Between the study procedures you will have time to yourself. You can watch TV, read a book, listen to music, play board games or use the pool table or ping pong table in the public space. You could also use your free time to work or study.
Your room
You will have your own private room of ± 35m2 equipped with:
- Flat screen TV
- Netflix
- WiFi
- Ensuite bathroom
- Microwave
This is a modern medical facility specifically designed to help us treat and monitor you during the study. However, our team is dedicated to create an atmosphere where we hope you will feel relaxed and at ease.
(Final) follow-up visit(s)
Depending on the type of study, you will need to return to Vaccinopolis for a few short follow-up visits after your quarantine stay.
The study will end by performing the final follow-up visit where we will perform assessments like the ones at the screening visit to make sure that you are completely healthy.
Fair Compensation (tax free in Belgium)
Provided as a compensation for your time, travel and involvement.
Varies between €3000 to €6000 for the full study; amount mainly driven by the quarantaine duration.
Type of quarantine
Depending to the type of the study/pathogen your quarantine level can vary. You will be notified upfront so that you understand the type of quarantine for every study.
Low level = quarantine at the unit:
You are allowed to leave your room when the protocol schedule allows.
At these moments you can move freely around the public spaces but you are not allowed to leave the unit.
For studies with respiratory pathogens, you may be required to wear a face mask when walking around and to keep a distance of 1,5 meters from other participants.
High level = quarantine in your room:
You are not allowed to leave your room during your entire stay.
The public spaces of the unit will not be accessible to you.
For studies with respiratory pathogens, you may be required to wear a face mask when study staff enters your room.