LAKELAND, Fla. - Novavax is a two-dose vaccine that you can take at home, and a Lakeland research center is among the first to offer a trial run to volunteers.

“The chances are that these vaccines pan out over time and only time will tell,” said Dr. James Anderson, of Accel Research Sites. “Right now there have been no severe reactions reported in any of these studies. I’m not saying there can’t be one, but the numbers are so small that you’ll have to look after millions are tested.”

Anderson said that vaccines are meant to trigger your immune system so that your body can create antibodies. This is where he says some see side effects, much like you would after a flu shot.

“You have to look at where the numbers are at with infection rate,” he said. “Are you a recluse that never goes out? That person may not have a life but they aren’t going to have COVID-19 either. Now take the normal person that has a job and a life — that person has to say, 'What are the chances of me getting this virus?' versus what would be the side effects of the vaccine.”

Lakeland is one of 125 cities in the county offering the Novavax vaccine trial. Accel Research Sites is the first facility in Polk County to offer it.

This is news that Dr. Mona Mangat was pleased to hear.

“It’s really exciting, I wish the testing site was closer to me,” said Mangat. “I think we need to do a really good job in the medical community and public health community in educating people about this vaccine because there’s been a lot of misinformation swirling around about vaccines. But this is incredibly important to help us come out of the pandemic.”

We are in Phase 3 of the Novavax trial. Interested volunteers will be paid for their participation.

If you're interested in being a volunteer, call 863-940-2087 for more information. Or to add your name to the waitlist or you can visit covidorlando.com.