Scientists at Yale School of Medicine launched a new study Friday to see whether vaccines can ease the symptoms of COVID-19 "long-haulers."

The so-called long-hauler syndrome leaves up to 10% of COVID-19 patients with symptoms months after infection.

Researchers say the causes are still unclear. They are looking for long-haulers to participate who haven't been vaccinated yet.

Professor Akiko Iwasaki says the inspiration for the study started on social media. Informal polling from patient groups like Survivor Corps found about 40% of long-haulers were feeling better after the vaccine.

Other patients reported feeling the same or worse. Now, researchers want to find out what's causing some long-haulers to make a recovery.

Iwasaki hopes that data will help create new therapies and give long-haulers hope.

Participants will give blood samples before vaccination and again at six and 12 weeks after their first shot.