Tens of thousands of people are getting the COVID-19 vaccine in test trials nationwide, including a hospital chaplain at Montefiore in the Bronx.

Father Roberto Perez was motivated to volunteer following his front-row seat to the pandemic.

Perez is one of Pfizer's 30,000 volunteers for a vaccine that's currently in phase three of a trial at NYU.

He says he hasn't had any symptoms or issues.

Volunteers are between ages 18 to 85, not pregnant, in good health and haven't had COVID-19. They are injected with the vaccine or a placebo, but they don't know which. While some feel it's a risk, it's not the first time Perez volunteered for science.

"I was in the trial for hepatitis B, I was one of their volunteers, it was a good experience," said Perez.

In August, Pfizer reported its trial vaccine "was well tolerated with mild to moderate fever in fewer than 20% of participants" and this week revealed it prevented lung infection in all their animal studies. The Rockland company is now aiming to get it approved next month.

Pfizer hopes to submit its vaccine for approval next month and supply 100 million doses worldwide by the end of this year.

NYU is looking for volunteers for the vaccine trials.

More information on NYU vaccine trial:

NYU is preparing for other upcoming phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trials across their five sites in Lower Manhattan, Long Island and Brooklyn. They are looking for more volunteers who have a higher than average risk of being exposed or becoming sick due to COVID-19 (ethnic and racial minorities, those with high risk of work exposure, underlying medical conditions). Participants who are interested can join their registry at nyulmc.org/covidvaccine or at is.gd/nyucovidvaccinetrial and can additionally call 877-919-2822 or email: covid_vaccine_study@nyulangone.org

General requirements are you must be:
1) 18 years or older
2) able to provide consent (understand and agree to the study procedures)
3) in stable health
4) have a higher than average risk of being exposed or becoming sick due to COVID

- Compensation usually ranges anywhere between $50-100 per visit
- Typically seven office visits over two years
- Plus weekly phone calls and/or e-diaries that are also compensated
- In total compensation ranges around $1,000-$1,300 over two years.