A Henry County medical facility is seeking participants for a clinical trial of a potential COVID-19 vaccine.

  Clinical Research Atlanta in Stockbridge, on Country Club Drive in the Eagle’s Landing community, is working with an unnamed major pharmaceutical company on a testing program that will last several weeks, according to Dr. Nathan Segall, who runs Clinical Research Atlanta. He is an allergist and immunologist who has been in Henry County since 1994.

  Signing up to participate is extremely easy, with a form on the facility’s website, clinicalresearchatlanta.com. The study, vaccine and exams are no cost to the participant, and there will be compensation for those who qualify.

  The organizers of the study are looking for participants who are healthy and between the ages of 18 and 85, particularly those who in are jobs that are considered high-risk for the spread of COVID-19: health care workers, retail workers, child care/senior care workers, first responders, factory workers, and mass transit workers, among others.

  Safety will be paramount during the testing process, and you cannot develop COVID-19 from the vaccine. Health insurance is not necessary.

  According to information provided by Dr. Segall’s office, the local initiative is part of a “megatrial” with up to 30,000 participants. They will be divided equally between those who receive the active vaccine and those who get a placebo. There will be two injections 21 to 28 days apart.

  Follow-up will be conducted largely through an app downloaded to each participant’s phone for limited contact and additional safety.

  All participants will be monitored throughout the fall and winter for COVID-like symptoms and will be tested for COVID and influenza if they become ill. All studies require blood draws and each participant will be asked to keep a diary of symptoms. All studies have compensation for time and travel.

  Dr. Segall encourages anyone who is interested to sign up as soon as possible.