Thousands of Scots sign up for vaccine trials

More than 11,000 people in Scotland have already signed up for Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials.

Volunteers are helping speed up efforts to find a safe and effective vaccine in the fight against coronavirus, with more than 100,000 people signed up UK wide.

However, researchers are urging more people to sign up, especially those over the age of 65, and those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Today, the government urged more people to sign up to the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry by October, to allow large-scale vaccine trials to take place.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “I am delighted that more than 11,200 people in Scotland have registered to take part in clinical studies through the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry so far.

“Volunteers are a major part in the race to find a working vaccine.

“I encourage people from all groups, particularly the over-65s, frontline workers and those from BAME communities to sign-up as we look to find a vaccine for coronavirus.”

Marium Zumeer, 18, from Bradford, was taken to hospital after contracting coronavirus.

During her time in intensive care, she was offered the opportunity to take part in the national recovery trial, which is testing a range of potential treatments for Covid-19.

She said: “I will always be grateful for being encouraged to sign up.

“I remember my dad at the time urging me to take part, not just for myself but for the wider community.

“The result has been really positive for me and I would encourage others to do their bit in helping us all in the fight against coronavirus.”

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “From John O’groats to Land’s End, everyone has played their part in tackling coronavirus, from wearing face coverings to following social distancing guidance.

“Scientists and researchers are working day and night to find a vaccine that meets the UK’S rigorous regulatory and safety standards, but they need hundreds of thousands of people of all backgrounds and ages to sign up for studies to speed up this vital research.

“I urge everyone to play our part in the fight against coronavirus and join the 100,000 people who have already registered, so we can help save and protect millions of lives.”