Participants Needed for Study Examining Effects of PFAS Exposure on Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccine

Researchers from the department of biostatistics and epidemiology at UMass Amherst are conducting the MASS-PFAS-COV Study to learn more about the human health effects of exposures to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), especially regarding the immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Researchers are seeking participants 12-years-old and over who live in Western Massachusetts, have no previous conditions that affect their immune system and are intending to be vaccinated in the coming weeks/months, or have been vaccinated in the last two weeks.

This research will involve a short survey (fifteen minutes or less), to get some basic information. Eligible participants will receive a package with materials to take a finger-prick blood sample (four drops of blood total) one time before a first vaccine shot or shortly after that, and a second time one month after a second vaccine shot. Samples will be returned in a pre-specified drop-off location after the second sampling procedure. Those who agree to participate in the follow-up, will also be sent you two packages: the first, six months after vaccination, and a second one year after vaccination. Test results will be provided to the participant, if wanted, along with information on how to interpret the results.

To enroll, visit the Initial Enrollment Form.

Email mass-pfas@umass.edu or visit www.masspfas-covstudy.org for additional information.