After 65, the flu hits harder.
Participate in a flu study, to get the flu vaccine at no cost, and reimbursement for your time and travel.
- No insurance needed
- Rides included
- $100 per study visit
Richard B. Powell, MD, MPH
Physician Researcher
Principal Investigator, Denali Health Plant City
Real participants
People’s experiences at Denali Health.
“They took the time to answer every question I had.”
Steve LeeResearch participant“The staff was wonderful. I will recommend Denali to my friends.”
Vivian FranklinResearch participant“The rides made it easy. I never had to worry about getting there.”
Marcus M.Research participant“Great experience. Love the staff. Highly recommend.”
Darius BennetResearch participant
What you get
Nothing to pay. Nothing to arrange.
A flu vaccine
No placebo group. You receive either the investigational mRNA vaccine or a licensed flu vaccine approved for your age.
We drive you
Rides to and from every visit, arranged by our team. No driving, no favors to ask.
$100 per completed visit
Compensation for your time and travel, paid after each visit you complete.
A team you can call
One number, real people, all season. We check in on you regularly.
No cost to you for study visits or study-related procedures, and no insurance needed to take part.
Three steps
From this page to your visit.
You can stop after any one of them.
Step 1: Check a few basics
Right here on this page.
Step 2: We call you in 1 business day
Questions answered, first visit booked.
Step 3: Come in for your vaccine
We arrange your ride. You get your vaccine that day.
Say no at any point and that is a complete answer. Nothing changes about the care you get from your own doctor.
Schedule Your VaccinationPrincipal Investigator
Richard B. Powell, MD, MPH
Physician Researcher · Denali Health Plant City
- physician researcher, MD and MPH
- Leads research studies with older adults here in Plant City
- Explains every step in plain language, and never rushes a decision
The flu lands hardest on older adults.
Your immune system answers infection more slowly at 70 than it did at 40 — which is exactly why researchers keep working on flu vaccines for this age group.
50–70%
of U.S. flu hospitalizations are adults 65 and older
70–85%
of U.S. seasonal flu deaths are adults 65 and older
9 in 10
flu hospital stays involve a long-term health condition
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Flu and People 65 Years and Older.” Figures are estimates and vary from season to season. This information is about seasonal flu in general. It does not describe what the vaccine being studied does.
The study
What you are signing up for.
Everyone gets a flu vaccine
Either the investigational mRNA vaccine or a licensed flu vaccine approved for your age. No placebo.
6–8 months one flu season
One injection at your first visit, then a few follow-up visits and check-ins.
65+ in stable health
Long-term conditions are usually fine if they have been stable for 3 months.
A Phase 3 research study of an investigational mRNA flu vaccine. “Investigational” means it is still being studied and is not FDA approved. Taking part is voluntary — you can stop at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect the care you get from your own doctor.
Eligibility
Do I qualify?
The short version. Unsure about a line? Call and ask.
You may qualify if
- Yes: You are 65 or older
- Yes: You are in generally stable health
- Yes: Long-term conditions are usually fine (diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure — stable for 3 months)
- Yes: You can get to Plant City, FL — we arrange the ride
- Yes: You are willing to log how you feel in a simple app or a device we provide
You may not qualify if
- Not eligible: You have had a flu shot in the last 6 months
- Not eligible: You have had lab-confirmed flu in the last 6 months
- Not eligible: You are allergic to flu vaccines or a previous mRNA vaccine
- Not eligible: You have had myocarditis after an mRNA vaccine
Already had this season’s flu shot? A future season may still work. Tell us and we will follow up.
These lists are a starting point, not a decision. The study team makes the call with you.
Schedule Your VaccinationKnow someone who might qualify?
A neighbor, a sibling, a friend from church. Send them this page and they can read it on their own time.
Or just give them our number: (813) 796-6716. We are happy to answer questions before anyone fills anything out.
Questions
Questions people ask us
What is this study about?
It is a Phase 3 research study of an investigational mRNA vaccine for seasonal flu. Researchers want to learn how the body responds to it, and how people tolerate it, compared with a flu vaccine that is already licensed. “Investigational” means it is still being studied and is not approved by the FDA.
Will I get a placebo?
No. There is no placebo in this study. Everyone who joins receives a flu vaccine — either the investigational mRNA vaccine or a licensed seasonal flu vaccine approved for your age group. Which one you get is decided at random, and the study team measuring your results does not know which you received.
Is an mRNA vaccine safe?
That is exactly the kind of question research studies are designed to answer, so we cannot tell you the investigational vaccine is safe — it is still being studied. What we can tell you is what is known: mRNA vaccines have been given to hundreds of millions of people for COVID-19 and are closely monitored. The mRNA breaks down quickly in the body and does not enter the part of your cells that holds your DNA.
Before you decide anything, the study team goes through the full consent form with you, including the known and possible risks and side effects, and you can take it home to read or discuss with your own doctor.
What if I already got my flu shot this year?
If you have had a flu shot in the last 6 months, you cannot join this study right now. Tell us anyway — we can note your interest and follow up for a future season or another study you may be a fit for.
Does this cost anything? Do I need insurance?
There is no cost to you for study visits or study-related procedures, and you do not need insurance to take part. You also receive $100 for each completed visit and transportation to and from every visit.
What if I have diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure?
Many people with long-term conditions like these can still take part. What matters is that the condition has been stable for the last 3 months. Bring your medication list to your first visit and the study team will go through it with you.
How many visits are there and how long do they take?
The study runs about 6 to 8 months — one flu season, start to finish. You get one injection in the arm at your first visit. After that there are a small number of follow-up visits plus a few phone or video check-ins. Your coordinator gives you the full schedule up front so you can see it against your calendar.
What is the nasal swab and the app for?
You use a simple app, or a device we provide, to log how you are feeling during flu season. It takes a minute or two. If you come down with flu-like symptoms, you collect a nasal swab at home — a soft swab just inside the nostril, nothing deep — so the team can find out whether it was flu. We show you exactly how, and you can always call us and we will walk you through it.
Can I stop if I change my mind?
Yes. Taking part is completely voluntary. You may stop at any time, for any reason, and you do not have to explain yourself. Stopping does not affect the care you receive from your regular doctor in any way.
Will I still see my regular doctor?
Yes. This study does not replace your regular doctor or your regular medical care. With your permission we can keep your doctor informed about your participation.
Who sees my information?
Your information is used by the study team and shared only as the consent form describes — for example with the study sponsor and the independent review board that oversees the study, and with health authorities if required. Records that identify you are kept confidential. We do not sell your information, and we do not share it with anyone for marketing.
Still have questions? Call or text (813) 796-6716.
Where to find us
We are on West Reynolds Street in Plant City, with parking right outside.
- Denali Health Plant City1601 W Reynolds St, Suite 203Plant City, FL 33563
- HoursMonday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pmSaturday, 9:00am to 1:00pm by appointment
- Call or text(813) 796-6716
- Emailinfo@denali-health.com
- Getting here is on usTransportation to and from every study visit is provided. If driving or parking is a worry, say so when we call and we will arrange your ride.
Last step
Schedule your vaccination appointment today!
Three quick questions, then a coordinator calls you within one business day. Nothing is decided until you say so.