BAZOOKA

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp is conducting a new clinical trial to evaluate how well different rabies vaccination schedules protect over time. The BAZOOKA trial investigates whether a booster vaccine can still elicit a quick and effective immune response five years after the initial vaccination.

• For whom: Healthy volunteers between 18 and 60 years old who received a rabies vaccine at least 5 years ago

• Start: Summer 2026

• Duration: 2 weeks

• Study visits: 3 visits to the study center

• Intervention: Marketed rabies vaccin

• Compensation: Fixed compensation per study visit

Purpose of research

Rabies is a deadly viral disease, but preventive rabies vaccination can be lifesaving. Vaccinated travellers who are bitten after primary vaccination only need quick booster shots and can avoid costly rabies antibody treatment.

In recent years, shorter and more cost-effective primary vaccination schedules have been introduced. This study will assess whether these schedules still offer strong protection when boosted with a single dose after five or more years.

Who can participate?

We are looking for healthy adults aged 18–60 who received one of the following rabies vaccination schedules at least five years ago:

• Two intramuscular (into the muscle) doses administered 7 to 56 days apart

• Two intradermal (under the skin) doses of two injections each, administered 7 to 56 days apart

• One intradermal (under the skin) dose consisting of two injections administered on the same day

Conduct of the study

Participants will attend three short visits over a period of two weeks. During the first visit (Day 0), a blood sample will be collected and one booster dose of rabies vaccine will be administered intramuscularly (into the upper arm). During the second and third visits (Day 7 and Day 14), only a blood sample will be collected to measure the antibody level.

Potential risks and inconveniences

Being involved in this study implies that you will have a small amount of blood drawn at three timepoints. The total volume of blood collected poses no risk to your health. The blood draw itself may cause some temporary discomfort and possibly bruising.

The vaccine may contain ingredients that trigger an allergic reaction. If you reacted poorly after vaccination before, participation is not recommended. The study doctor will discuss this with you during the first study visit. Apart from the usual temporary side effects of vaccines, no additional risks or disadvantages are expected in this study.

Reimbursement

To compensate you for your time, any expenses you incur to participate in the study, and any other inconveniences you may experience, you will receive a fixed fee per study visit.

If you decide to participate, we strongly encourage you to complete the entire study. However, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Where is the study conducted?

• Antwerp: Clinical Trial Site, ITM

• Brussels:

  • Queen Astrid Military Hospital (QAMH)

  • Travel Clinic, UZ Brussel

  • Travel Clinic, CU Saint-Luc

• Ghent: CEVAC, UZ Gent

• Liège: Travel Clinic, CHU de Liège

This clinical trial has been approved by the Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) and the involved Ethics Committees.

Questions?

Contact the ITM team at studies@itg.be.