Volunteers wanted for booster trial

PEOPLE in one part of Wales are set to take part in a new clinical trial to receive a ‘booster’ coronavirus vaccine.

Volunteers who are over the age of 30, have already had both Covid jabs and live within a 50-mile radius of Wrexham are needed for the worldfirst research study.

The COV-Boost study, which is being run at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, is taking place at 18 sites in the UK and will involve 2,886 volunteers.

The trial is looking at seven different Covid-19 vaccines as potential boosters given at least 10 to 12 weeks after their second dose. Volunteers could receive a different brand from the one they were originally vaccinated with.

It will become the first study in the world to provide vital data on the impact of a third dose on patients’ immune responses. It will give scientists from around the world – and the experts behind the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme – a better idea of how effective a booster of each vaccine is in protecting people from the virus.

The study is looking to include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and those from ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply. Those who were immunised early in the vaccination programme – for example, adults aged 75 and over or health and care workers – are also welcome to take part.

Dr Orod Osanlou, consultant physician and principal investigator for Public Health Wales and the COVBoost study, said: “It’s likely additional booster vaccinations might be needed for high-risk groups after a period of time and that’s why we’re doing this research.”