Health researchers in Halifax are looking for volunteers to take part in clinical trials for the swine flu vaccine.

Dr. Joanne Langley of the IWK Health Centre is heading up the clinical trials and said they need 60 adult Nova Scotians and 25 children to take part in the trials.

"The main reason that people tend to participate in a study like this is altruism. They want to be involved in scientific research, recognizing that research is how we improve patient care," Langley said Monday.

But the volunteers need to meet certain criteria.

Langley said they need healthy young adults, preferably under age 40, who wouldn’t need to get a flu vaccine, and healthy children aged six months to nine years who haven’t previously been given a vaccine.

Some parents are open to the idea of getting involved.

Amanda Waldick said she would definitely consider taking part in the clinical trial, especially since it involves the IWK, where her young son was born.

Others also see the value in signing up.

November target for vaccine

"Yeah, absolutely. That's how medicine and health learn," said Trina Burden.

Clinical trials here will lead to the vaccine getting approval from Health Canada. So far, things are still on target for having the vaccine ready across the country by mid-November.

But there are some doubters about the necessity of getting a swine flu vaccine shot.

"I think it’s probably unnecessary," said Alicia Mintzes. "I don’t really think that if there was one [vaccine], that I would get it. I think it’s not nearly as big a problem as it’s made out to be."

Langley said prevention is always a wise move.

"As a physician, I don’t want people to get the severe form of the disease, or even the moderate form where you have to come into hospital," she said.

"So, not having any way to predict who’s going to have those severe outcomes, I would recommend people get the pandemic vaccine."

Anyone interested in taking part in the clinical trial should call Darlene at (902)-470-8931. People eligible to be included in the trial will be compensated for their time commitment.