UM to conduct human tests of avian flu vaccine

Virus potentially a cause of pandemic, experts say

Investigators caution that in the Thai case, they found no evidence that the disease spread beyond the immediate family. But they fear it demonstrates that avian flu might be developing the ability to spread through human contact.

Immunizing the masses

In the UM trial, participants will be required to keep journals to record any side effects from the vaccine. Participants will be paid up to $530, and their health will be monitored for seven months, Campbell said. Future H5N1 clinical trials at the medical schools will examine its effects on children and the elderly.

There is no way to know how soon either vaccine will be approved for mass marketing. Such approval usually takes two to five years. But the time could be shortened, depending on how fast the disease spreads internationally. "If this vaccine is found to be safe and we see the right immune response, things could move faster," Campbell said. " I think people, knowing how bad a pandemic would be, would be willing to take on the small risks involved."