Current COVID-19 Landscape
COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, with cases rising periodically. While many people now have some protection from past vaccination or infection, COVID-19 still causes significant illness, especially for those at higher risk of serious complications.
In Canada, updated booster shots targeting recent variants are recommended for people aged 65 and older and for those with weakened immune systems. For the general population without specific risk factors, booster decisions are typically made on a case-by-case basis with a healthcare provider.
Why study an inhaled vaccine?
Most respiratory infections start in the airways, where the body mounts its first line of defense. AeroVax is an experimental vaccine that is breathed in through the mouth and delivered directly to the lungs. The study is looking at whether this approach can trigger immune responses in the lungs and not just in the blood, as traditional vaccines do.
Learning more about these immune responses could shape future respiratory vaccines, not only for COVID-19 but for other infections where early defense in the airways matters.
Enrollment update
We are happy to share that enrollment is going very well, with strong interest from the community.
The McMaster University site (Hamilton, Ontario) has enrolled 128 participants so far, including 39 in the sub-study that examines immune responses deep in the lungs using a procedure called bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The Canadian Center for Vaccinology site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) opened in January 2026 and has enrolled 36 participants to date. No safety concerns related to the vaccine have been identified to date.
We sincerely thank everyone who has chosen to take part. Clinical research is voluntary, and we deeply appreciate the time and commitment participants bring to each visit. We’re also grateful for the thoughtful questions from community members. This kind of engagement strengthens the research process.
Both study sites are currently accepting new participants. Individuals interested in learning more about the AeroVax trial, including eligibility criteria and what participation involves, are invited to contact the study team by email (aerovax@mcmaster.ca) or by phone (289-659-4901).
Looking ahead
As the trial continues, the research team is closely studying the immune responses generated by the inhaled vaccine, with a focus on immunity in the airways. By analyzing markers in both blood and lung samples (through the BAL sub-study), we aim to build a clearer picture of how the body responds when a vaccine is delivered by inhalation, informing the design of the next phase of clinical studies.