Trends in Peds Trials: Vaccine Enroll, Assent, Fertility, Wearables

Clinical research in pediatrics is changing fast — and with change comes more opportunities for families, better protections for teens, and tools that make participation easier for caregivers of patients with rare diseases.

1. How to enroll your child in vaccine studies

Finding the right vaccine study starts with a few practical steps: talk to your child’s pediatrician, search registries, and use trial discovery tools that match conditions to studies. Many patients find clinical trials through dedicated platforms that match their condition with relevant studies, and modern clinical trial platforms help streamline the search process for both patients and researchers. Recent industry data show trial-matching and virtual outreach increased pediatric vaccine recruitment rates after 2019, making enrollment faster in many centers.

2. Understanding assent and consent for teens

Consent and assent are not the same: parents or legal guardians provide consent, while teens give assent to show they understand and agree. Age, maturity, and local law shape how these conversations happen. Clinicians increasingly use plain-language assent forms and multimedia tools to help teens participate meaningfully. If you’re a caregiver, ask for a clear, age-appropriate explanation and time for questions — teens who feel heard are more likely to stick with a study.

3. Fertility preservation during pediatric cancer trials

Fertility preservation during pediatric cancer trials is an essential, often time-sensitive conversation. Options can include sperm or egg freezing, ovarian or testicular tissue preservation, and hormone-sparing protocols when possible. Many pediatric oncology programs now integrate oncofertility referrals before treatment begins. Caregivers of patients with rare diseases should explicitly ask trial teams about fertility counseling — platforms that connect patients and specialists can help locate centers with oncofertility expertise.

4. Remote monitoring and wearables in pediatric trials

Remote monitoring and wearables in pediatric trials are shifting how data are collected — from activity trackers to smartphone-based symptom diaries. Use of wearables in clinical studies surged after the pandemic, with some sponsors reporting adoption increases of more than 50% compared to pre-2019 levels. These tools reduce clinic visits, help capture real-life behaviors, and make participation easier for families juggling work, school, and caregiving. Remember: data privacy, battery life, and device fit for smaller bodies are important questions to ask before signing up.

• Wearables can ease the burden on rare disease caregivers by lowering travel needs
• Remote checks can improve retention, especially for adolescents balancing school

5. Inclusion, access, and the role of digital platforms

Access is improving but not perfect: underrepresented groups and children with rare diseases still face hurdles. Digital platforms have revolutionized how patients discover and connect with clinical research opportunities, and platforms like ClinConnect are making it easier for patients to find trials that match their specific needs. For caregivers, community networks and trial-matching tools can be lifelines that turn uncertainty into a clear pathway.

"When families understand the science and feel supported, participation becomes an act of hope. Trials can offer access to cutting-edge care and empower kids and teens to shape future treatments." — Dr. Ana Rivera, Pediatric Oncologist

Takeaway: ask questions, seek resources, and lean on platforms and clinic teams to guide you. Clinical trials are not just studies — they can be a source of hope, support, and real impact for children and families navigating illness.