BALTIMORE â Eight-year-old Christian Mugera went first, extending his arm for a blood draw and then a needle stick for a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. His brother, 11-year-old Gerald, wanted to follow, but staff struggled to get a blood sample.
Their father, Dr. Charles Mugera, called them stoic in their potential contribution to science, as they were among the first scheduled to participate in a trial at the University of Maryland School of Medicineâs Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health. The study is assessing the safety and efficacy of the Moderna vaccine in young children.
âWe did explain to them about the trial,â Mugera said. âBut more importantly for them, they think getting the vaccine will bring life back to normal. Thatâs more convincing for them. They know they get to go to school and see their friends.â While Christian got a shot Tuesday, Gerald wasnât able to because the staff never could obtain his blood sample. Thatâ�