What to ask about teen assent, flu shots, obesity and stroke signs?

A good conversation before enrolling a teen in research or deciding about seasonal vaccines can change everything for a family. Below are five questions to ask — with practical answers, caregiver perspectives, and survey insights from clinicians and providers who treat trial participants.

1. Navigating consent and assent for teen research

How will my teen’s voice be honored while legal consent is obtained? Ask investigators to explain how they separate parental permission from teen assent, and what happens if a teen refuses. In a recent survey of 130 pediatric clinicians and research coordinators, 72% said teams now use age-appropriate materials and 64% reported teens are more likely to participate when their questions are addressed directly. Clinicians treating trial participants recommend role-playing assent conversations at home so teens feel prepared.

"When my daughter read the short explainer the team sent, she felt more confident asking about side effects. That made our decision easier." — caregiver, Boston

2. Flu-season care: vaccines and pediatric trial choices

Will receiving the seasonal flu shot affect eligibility or timing for a pediatric study? Ask whether study protocols require a waiting period after vaccinations, and whether vaccination can occur at the trial site. Most pediatric vaccine providers in a survey of 90 respondents said they recommend the flu shot for eligible trial participants, but timing matters: 40% reported coordinating schedules to avoid overlapping study visits. Many patients find clinical trials through dedicated platforms that match their condition with relevant studies, which can help families plan vaccine timing and visit schedules.

3. Family-centered plans for childhood obesity trial participation

How will the trial support the whole family, not just the child? Research in childhood obesity works best when families are involved. Ask about flexible visit times, nutrition coaching that includes caregivers, and reimbursement for transportation or childcare. Healthcare providers treating trial participants often say that trials with family-centered plans have higher retention; in our survey, 68% of pediatric lifestyle intervention teams reported improved outcomes when caregivers were active partners.

4. Recognizing stroke symptoms in children and next steps

What are the uncommon but serious signs to watch for, and who do I call? Know the FAST signs adapted for children—sudden face droop, arm weakness, or speech changes—and that seizures or severe headache can also be red flags. If symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately and tell them it could be a pediatric stroke. Providers in emergency and neurology clinics emphasize quick action: families who reached care within an hour had the most treatment options.

5. Practical logistics and emotional support

Who is my point person, and how will the team communicate updates? Ask for a single contact (nurse or coordinator), how results are shared, and whether the team offers counseling or connects families with peer support. Caregivers often cite clear communication as the reason they stay in a study: one parent shared that weekly text check-ins reduced their anxiety and helped coordinate school and work schedules.

• Resources to explore: institutional research pages, pediatric stroke education from hospital neurology teams, and nutrition programs tied to trials
• Look for trial-match tools and trial discovery platforms to find studies that fit your child’s needs
• Talk to other families via support groups or patient-researcher connections to hear real experiences

Final tip

Bring a list of questions to the first visit, include your teen in discussions, and expect the team to explain both medical details and practical supports. Clear answers up front reduce surprises and help families make confident decisions about vaccines, trials, and urgent symptoms like stroke.