In order to evaluate the initial safety profile and immunogenicity of the vaccine, a pilot study was completed during summer 2017. A total of 100 non-pregnant females and males, aged 16-39, were enrolled and randomly received either the hepatitis E vaccine or a hepatitis B vaccine. Participants were vaccinated on day 0 and day 30, and blood, dried blood spots (DBS) and saliva samples were collected on day 0 and day 60 for use in laboratory assay validation and serological and cellular immunogenicity analyses. Following each vaccination, home visits were carried out for 7 days to record adverse reactions. No serious adverse reactions were observed, and only a few mild local adverse reactions were recorded which all resolved without sequela. Preliminary immunogenicity results, showed that 44 participants had seroconverted (HEV), after just two doses of the vaccine. Furthermore, during this pilot study the implementation of protocols and procedures for all stages of the trial were tested in preparation for the start of the main trial.