New Covid Vaccine Trial Seeks 10,000 UK Volunteers
Ten thousand Brits are being called up today (Friday 25 September) to join a major Phase 3 trial of a promising coronavirus vaccine as part of the UK’s fight against Covid-19. This comes as the NHS Vaccine Registry hits a massive 250,000 sign-ups from volunteers eager to back the research.
What’s the Trial About?
The latest Phase 3 study will test the safety and effectiveness of a new vaccine developed by US biotech giant Novavax. Unlike earlier phases, Phase 3 trials involve thousands of people across different ages and backgrounds. This gives scientists a clearer picture of how well the vaccine works and how safe it is for the wider population.
The trial officially kicked off yesterday (24 September) and is running at several National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) sites across the UK, including Lancashire, Midlands, Greater Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Belfast.
Why Volunteers Are Vital
The NHS Vaccine Registry was launched in July to build a pool of willing volunteers ready to be contacted for Covid-19 studies. With more vaccine trials expected before year-end, researchers are urging more people to sign up, especially from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, people over 65, and those with underlying health conditions.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said:
“I am incredibly proud of the 250,000 volunteers who have signed up to play their part in the global fight against coronavirus. Our scientists are working round the clock to find a vaccine that meets the UK’s strict safety standards, but we need even more people from all backgrounds and ages to speed up this vital research.”
“The more people that sign up, the quicker we can find a safe and effective vaccine, defeat this virus and protect millions of lives.”
UK Secures 60 Million Novavax Doses
The Government has locked down 60 million doses of the Novavax vaccine, set to be made at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ factory in Stockton-on-Tees, northeast England. This ensures fast delivery once regulatory approval is granted.
Professor Paul Heath, Chief Investigator for the Novavax trial at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“This is only the second Phase 3 vaccine trial to start in the UK and the first ever for Novavax worldwide, highlighting how urgently we need a solution. The vaccine has cleared early safety hurdles, and we’re very encouraged by its performance.”
“The NHS Vaccine Registry has been crucial in finding participants, especially from groups like the elderly who stand to benefit most.”
Why Signing Up Matters
Kate Bingham, Chair of the Government’s Vaccines Taskforce, added:
“Finding a safe and effective vaccine for the majority of the UK is the best way to beat this devastating disease. While social distancing and testing help, a vaccine is the only long-term solution. Signing up to the NHS Vaccine Registry is a vital way people can help.”
Novavax’s President of Research & Development, Dr Gregory M. Glenn, said:
“This marks an important advance in tackling the global Covid-19 crisis. We are confident in the safety of this vaccine and hopeful it will prevent infection and reduce transmission, based on strong previous influenza vaccine trials using the same platform.”
When Could We Get the Vaccine?
If trials succeed, vaccines could roll out in 2021, with priority given to frontline health and social care workers, ethnic minorities, vulnerable adults, and the elderly as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
To join the fight and volunteer for vaccine research, visit www.nhs.uk/researchcontact today.
