Rutgers University announced on Friday that it has been chosen as a clinical trial site for Pfizer’s research on the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on children as young as 6 months old.

“Children do need to get vaccinated to protect themselves,” says Dr. Sunanda Guar. “Secondly, children should be vaccinated so they don’t pass it onto family and friends who are vulnerable.”

But the challenge now is to find willing participants – healthy children under the age of 12. Some of them will get two doses, while others will get a placebo.

Families walking along the Hoboken waterfront on Friday had mixed feelings on if they would allow their kids to be part of the trial.

“I would like to register, definitely,” says Disha Lakhani, of Jersey City. “We want to live the normal life. Everyone is in a solo and locked down.”

Parents who did not want their children vaccinated for COVID-19 cited uncertainty on the effects of the shot.

“Although it’s selfish, we do need to know what will happen. But I wouldn’t feel safe,” says Claudia Santaly, of Hoboken.

Gaur, one of the lead researchers at Rutgers, says that there is plenty of interest in the trial and says that it is extremely safe for young participants. The trial is carefully conducted under guidance from the Food and Drug Administration.

“When someone is in a clinical trial, they are in like a microscope. You’re really watching every little thing because we want to record everyone. So a very vigorous follow-up,” Guar says.

Researchers say that trials like this are necessary in the battle against COVID-19.

The Pfizer study will include over 4,500 children worldwide. Rutgers will enroll 100 children ages 5 to 12 and 50 children reach from the 2-5 age groups and 6 months to 2 years old age group.