Volunteers wanted for West study of new Covid-19 vaccine

PLYMOUTH’S Derriford Hospital is looking for volunteers to take part in a new coronavirus vaccine study to test a new jab.

The study, supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), is being managed by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust in collaboration with researchers from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.

Participants will be randomised and either receive two doses of the new Valneva vaccine or the already approved Oxford/AstraZeneca jab.

The UK Government has already secured up to 100 million doses of the Valneva vaccine, should it be shown to be safe and effective.

Anyone over the age of 30, in relatively good health and yet to receive a Covid-19 vaccination, is invited to take part in the study, and those selected will have their expenses covered.

Dr Claire Bethune, Consultant Immunologist and Principal Investigator for the study at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: “Clinical studies into Covid-19 vaccines remain critical to help increase the number of safe and effective vaccines to help to protect us all.

“We need to ensure that there are as many vaccines to help fight Covid19 as possible, which can be rolled out across the world, and can protect all individuals across different populations.

“This study is looking at a completely different vaccine to those we have seen so far. It is the first and only inactivated vaccine for Covid19 in clinical development in Europe at the moment.

“Early trials have been really promising, both in terms of safety and effectiveness. This is a great opportunity for people who are able to travel to Plymouth to do their bit in the fight against Covid-19, as well as to receive a Covid-19 vaccination in the next few weeks.”

Participants will also benefit from all their expenses being covered – up to £600. Anyone who is interested should email the address below for information.

▪plh-tr.contactvaccinestudy@nhs.net