A local clinical trials site is about to play a significant role in the testing of a possible vaccine for COVID-19.

Pfizer has reached out to Clinical Research Consulting in Milford to conduct a study of its vaccine. Members of the public will be able to participate in the vaccine tests starting Tuesday. Patients will be monitored over the course of 26 months.

"It's very exciting to be on the cutting edge of something like this because it's so devastating out there," says Gail Hopkins with Clinical Research Consulting. "We get to be a part of history, you know, and that for us is amazing."

The trials will require two vaccinations and five blood draws.

"People won't know if they're getting the placebo or if they're getting the actual vaccination," Hopkins said.

CRC has done many studies over the past few decades, including hypertension, osteoarthritis and flu vaccines.

The trial is open to generally healthy adults aged 18-85.