Coronavirus vaccine trials in NC showing promise so far

"[We have to] try to get past some of the myths about clinical trials, help them see that there are regulatory bodies in place to protect their rights," he said.

Those taking part in the trials are doing it for something bigger than themselves, Harper said.

"They will say, 'We need volunteers to get these vaccines approved as soon as possible,' so they are focused on the need of the community," he said.

Volunteers fill out daily electronic diaries to log any side-effects. If anything serious comes up, they will get an immediate call. To this point, the side-effects range from a sore arm to some mild flu-like symptoms that last about 48 hours.

Most of the local volunteers in the Moderna trial have already received the two-shot regimen 28 days apart, he said.

"It seems immunity will be higher and more longer-lasting with this second dose," he said.

While volunteers are showing signs of increased antibodies to protect them, Harper said he hopes the studies will help answer one lingering question.

"We do not now how long the immunity will last," he said.

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Still, he noted, the results are promising so far.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is closely watching the local trials, but it remains unclear when any of the vaccine candidates might be approved for public distribution.