Research

UK to Enroll Additional Children in Moderna Vaccine Trial

image of baby receiving a shot from a nurse
evgenyatamanenko | iStock / Getty Images Plus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 11, 2021) ­­­— The University of Kentucky is a site for KidCOVE, a national trial by Moderna to test the safety and effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine in children. The vaccine, called mRNA-1273, may protect young children 6 months to those under 12 years of age from getting sick if they come into contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. 

For the current phase of the study, researchers are enrolling children aged 6 months to under 2 years of age into the study beginning at the end of October. Parents or guardians interested in enrolling their child in the study can visit UK’s website at www.StopCOVIDKy.com, where they can answer a confidential pre-screening survey to help determine if a child qualifies. If you previously filled out the prescreening survey this summer, you don’t need to do so again. Please note that answering the survey does not obligate you or your child to participate.

A vaccine that prevents COVID-19 disease and SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission among children will be a crucial public health tool in curbing the pandemic. Using its vaccine currently given to adults, Moderna has committed to researching a safe and effective vaccine to protect people of all backgrounds and ages, including children less than 12 years of age. This pediatric research study will define an age-appropriate dose, test the vaccine’s effectiveness, and monitor any potential side effects in children, collecting information to ensure safe use.  

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.