Vaccine trial volunteers: we are doing this for UAE and world
Volunteers for a clinical trial of a Covid-19 vaccine in the UAE said taking part in the research was the least they could do for the country that had given them so much.
During a visit to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where Phase 3 of the research is being conducted, people taking part said they were keen to be involved if it would help life return to normal.
“My husband works in aviation, and aviation is being hit hard by Covid-19,” said Justine, 41, one of the hundreds of people who went in for initial testing last week.
“If I can help with the vaccine and it being developed and everyone having access, that would be good.”
Justine said she was keen for a vaccine to be found as soon as possible.
“We just want to see the end of this virus,” she said.
Maryam, 26, another volunteer, said her mother and brother took part in the trial alongside her to make sure she did not feel nervous.
“At the end, we are doing this for the UAE and for the world as a whole,” she said. “This is the least I can do for my country.
“If I can help, then why not? We are in safe hands in the UAE. I know that if I develop any symptoms I will be taken care of.”
Phase-3 testing for an inactive vaccine, which contains a killed version of the virus, was initially being conducted only in Abu Dhabi but has since been expanded to Sharjah to widen the pool of volunteers. Researchers are keen to recruit people of many nationalities, and more women.
Thousands of people signed up to be involved in the UAE’s trial but many did not meet the criteria for testing.
To be eligible, volunteers must be aged between 18 to 60 and free of some existing health conditions, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease and cancer.
They should not have had a fever, dry cough, fatigue, nasal obstruction or a runny nose in the two weeks before having the first injection.
As of August 6, more than 5,000 volunteers had received the first of two vaccinations, which are administered 28 days apart. At least 15,000 volunteers are required for the trial.
The vaccine is being developed by two Chinese companies – Sinopharm and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products.
The UAE is involved through an agreement with technology company Group 42.
Phase 1 and 2 of the trials were conducted in China, where all volunteers developed antibodies against the deadly virus.
The Emirates was chosen as the location for the penultimate stage because of its diverse population.
Dr Nawal Al Kaabi is chief medical officer at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and chairwoman of the National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.
She said a small percentage of volunteers had experienced side effects from the first shot of the vaccine, including mild pain at the injection site and headaches. These were in common with those seen with other vaccines, she said.
After inoculation, volunteers are asked to wait at the centre for 30 minutes while being monitored for side effects and allergic reactions.
They must return 21 days later to receive their second dose.
After another two weeks, each volunteer is checked for antibodies against Covid-19.
More volunteers are sought and participants are exempted from further Covid-19 testing outside the bounds of the study, such as the negative Covid-19 test required to enter Abu Dhabi emirate.
“This is because they are regularly checked during the course of the trial,” Dr Al Kaabi said.
Despite the strict criteria, Adnec, where volunteers go to register, was almost full on Thursday. The centre has the capacity to register as many as 1,000 volunteers each day.
The trial, which is recognised by the World Health Organisation, began on July 16 and is expected to last up to six months.
To volunteer for the trial in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, register your details at 4humanity.ae or call 02 819 1111.
If I can help, then why not? We are in safe hands in the UAE. This is the least I can do for my country MARYAM Vaccine trial volunteer