Merck’s investigational Ebola vaccine was found to be effective in a Phase III trial analysis. The vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, had 100% efficacy with a single dose, and all vaccinated patients were protected against Ebola within 6-10 days of vaccination. More than 4,000 participants have receive the vaccine to date.
The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine is made with a weakened vesicular stomatitis virus that is replaced with a single Ebola virus gene that cannot cause the disease alone. Those vaccinated then developed antibodies against the Ebola virus. The length of time the immune response may last is not yet known.
The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest outbreak in history. To date, there have been 15,222 lab confirmed cases and 11,301 deaths caused by the virus.
Patients who are interested in an Ebola Vaccine research study can contact Foothill Family Clinic North or South at 801-486-3021 or 801-365-1032
