In 1995, the Oxford Vaccine Group evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a Group C meningococcal conjugate vaccine in 182 infants using the UK vaccination schedule*. During and after the study we sought the views of parents about the vaccine and about their participation in the trial. The vaccine was well tolerated and resulted in fewer local reactions than the routine vaccinations, with no increase in systemic reactions. Post-vaccination antibody levels increased progressively after each dose of conjugate vaccine. We concluded that this meningococcal C conjugate vaccine is safe and immunogenic. The research process and the views of parents provide important lessons for researchers undertaking trials on infants.