I was told that I might receive a placebo. I have been reading also that some companies administering a placebo do not want the subject to then receive the vaccine for a good while so as to validate their study.

In addition, I have a number of health problems including mobility, vision and hearing problems making even short periods of travel difficult in the best of time but probably not achievable were I to get even somewhat ill. So if adverse symptoms did occur, it would be probably not possible to go for tests and evaluations.

don't feel guilty! it is your option. I wouldn't have done it either. I think I have too many medical problems right now.

I think that I might consider it, as I have a fairly strong commitment to community service, I.e. helping my fellow humans.

Also, as you may have heard me say, my body has somewhat spoiled me, seldom giving me trouble, pain or limitations.

On the other hand, in a discussion with landlord the other day on taking the vaccine, he indicated some feeling of not being an early partaker, as something of a guinea pig for a new treatment with little track record, and I had some feelings along that line, but think I will take it, not only for protection for myself, but to increase protection for the community.

Getting Covid is no picnic, either, and may leave some nasty residue in one's life, possibly short and long term.

I'm to be fairly high on the priority list, being of advanced age.

I'm inclined to suggest that you give it some serious thought.

Oh, yes, another issue may be who and how many will be inconvenienced if you are partially or wholly unable to provide care for them, and who may be inconvenienced and to what level of hurt e.g. can't go to work, if they need to care for you.

Good wishes as you consider the issue.

ole joyful

Well a month or so ago I checked out a news story about a trial going on. I thought about doing it but the closest places were Nashville and Cincinnati so I didn't. Now I'm glad I didn't because I wouldn't have been able to get vaccinated tomorrow if I had done it. Don't feel bad.

(October 23, 2020) The Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single dose of a vaccine versus placebo in up to 60,000 adults 18 years old and older, including significant representation from those who are over age 60.

https://www.jnj.com/our-company/johnson-johnson-prepares-to-resume-phase-3-ensemble-trial-of-its-janssen-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-in-the-us

(December 14, 2020) Johnson & Johnson cut its enrollment in its last-stage clinical trial from 60,000 to 40,000 because the virus is so widespread that data on efficacy is coming in faster than the company expected. J&J has so far enrolled more than 42,000 people and will stop recruiting participants later this week, Slaoui said.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/14/more-vaccine-developers-fda-approval-445194

Lucille, no reason to feel guilty because ^^J&J is about to stop recruiting according to the article linked above. But I do understand why you are feeling some guilt. And easy to understand why you would (sensibly) want to opt out given a real deal vaccine is so close. (vs unknown maybe placebo one right now.)

I wouldn't.

One of my wife’s colleagues did J&J’s. She felt pretty sick after so she’s assuming she didn’t get a placebo. Wonder if she’ll be told for sure, if it affects decisions about the approved vaccines once avail. I’d have to think that’s been thought through.

If your going to get it anyway....then I'd do it. The placebo part is what concerns me.

What I'd want to know is, supposed you participate, and then get offered an approved vaccine -- does it hurt to have taken two different vaccines for the same virus? ??

From jnj.com

Which brings us to the next question I often get: If a vaccine is shown to be safe and effective, will participants be able to access it quickly? Most likely yes, because if the vaccine gets FDA approval, the company producing it will likelybe able to unblind the study and make sure all the participants can get it.

One does not of course know at the time, whether one has received the placebo or the real thing, in a trial. Below is the info, it appears as if some participants who receive placebos may be unprotected for up tp two years.

• Trial participants will be in the trial for up to two years.

• After you complete the study, if you received the placebo, you may be offered the investigational vaccine at no cost.

  However, this will depend on the results of the study and may not occur until the study is complete.

There is a different trial I am eligible for, for medication (not prevention) called bamlanivimab, should I become positive. Naturally I have to wait on that one (and I hope not to become eligible). But if I do, I might consider it, as I believe they will send infusion teams to one's home.

In order for me to join a study, it has to be realistically manageable (not involve a lot of travel) and acceptable risk. The first study, above, for a vaccine just seems like too much risk (to me) if the expectations are that a placebo means remaining unprotected for up to two years.

They do have to get their test subjects from somewhere, but I guess each of the eligible pool has to decide how much risk is acceptable, for the greater good, before participating.

Don't feel guilty! Not sure what I would do. While I have confidence in UHC, I think I would need a lot more information. And some time to try to do some research and think it through.

Rusty

Rusty, you have confidence in United Healthcare? The insurance company?

Lucille, I am one more vote for don't feel guilty, or any pressure to take part in this study. Trust your instincts.

Lucille, you just have to follow your instinct about whether to do or not. If you think about it a while and decide to do it, fine. Otherwise, feel no guilt at all. There are lots of people willing.

I believe the J&J vaccine is virus based, not the Mrna as Pfizer and Moderna. Not making any point here, just sharing.