Volunteers needed for Omicron vaccine trial

Around 3,000 volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study for a booster vaccine against the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

The jab, one of the world's first to tackle the variant, will be trialled at various sites across the UK thanks to a partnership between Moderna and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

Led by a team based at St George' s, University of London, the study will see half the volunteers receive the new Moderna Omicron variant vaccine and the other half vaccinated with the regular Moderna jab.

It is already known that people' s immunity wanes several months after Covid-19 booster doses, meaning clinical trials are needed to determine whether people may need a fourth booster dose.

Health and social care secretary, Sajid Javid, said: "The UK is a world leader when it comes to the research and development of vaccines and medicines, bolstered by our renowned life sciences industry.

"I urge anyone eligible to take part in this vital research and play their part in protecting the country for years to come as we learn to live with Covid-19."

Stephane Bancel, chief executive officer of Moderna, said: "This is the first Moderna-sponsored Phase 3 study to be conducted outside of the US with our Omicron-specific booster candidate and we appreciate the collaboration with the NIHR.”

Volunteers will need to have not tested positive for Covid-19 since the beginning of November 2021, and to have had their last vaccine at least three months prior to joining the study, which is recruiting for the next four weeks.

Sign up at connect.trialscope.com/studies/7dff14489e85-4beb-81a4-ec4f9170c769