Volunteers are needed to test dual vaccines
VOLUNTEERS are being called on to take part in a major trial to see if Covid vaccinations and the flu jab can be given at the same time.
Researchers based in Bristol, but taking in centres in Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Cornwall, need 504 participants who have already received their first coronavirus vaccination, and are currently waiting to get their second dose.
The major trial will be one of Britain’s main ways to study if there are any issues with administering the Covid jab alongside the flu jab. Scientists and health chiefs have already indicated that a third Covid vaccine might have to follow in the winter, like the flu jab, as the UK gets used to the new normal of living with coronavirus.
Bristol is leading the new study which scientists here say could set the foundations for how booster Covid vaccinations are delivered in the future.
“The study, supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), will determine whether booster Covid-19 vaccines should be given at the same time as flu vaccines,” said a spokesperson from the University of Bristol.
“While there are vaccines that have been approved to protect against Covid-19 in the UK, it is not yet known whether further booster doses may be required to give continued protection, and how giving boosters might fit in with the seasonal flu jab programme.
“From March 29, a study will look at the side-effects and immune response given when people receive their Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same appointment,” he added.
There will be six sites involved at hospitals run by Gloucestershire Hospitals, the Great Western in Swindon, North Bristol NHS Trust in Southmead, the RUH in Bath, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust and at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, which is part of the University Hospital in the city.
“With the challenges of immunising large numbers of people against Covid-19 and the need to continue the seasonal influenza vaccination schedule, this next phase of vital research will establish whether it’s possible for us to protect people from both of these viruses at the same appointment,” said Dr Rajeka Lazarus, a consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology at UHBW and chief investigator for the trial.
“This would mean fewer appointments for those who need both vaccines, reducing the burden on those who have underlying health conditions and would usually be offered the influenza vaccine.
“We particularly encourage people who would usually be offered the influenza vaccine, as well as individuals from across all communities, to volunteer to take part,” she added.
“Those taking part in this trial will play a crucial role in the global effort to continue to protect people from Covid-19, now and in the years to come,” she said.
Participants who are eligible to take part will then be allocated into one of two groups:
One group will receive their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at their first visit, then a saline injection (placebo) at their second visit.
The other group will receive their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and a saline injection (placebo) at their first visit and then the flu vaccine at their second visit.
For how to volunteer, visit the vaccine trial website https://comflucov. blogs.bristol.ac.uk.