Novavax trial opens to test a potential COVID-19 vaccine

Guy's and St Thomas' is recruiting participants for a clinical trial studying a potential vaccine against coronavirus (COVID-19).

The vaccine has recently completed preliminary testing in humans, showing promising initial results on antibody levels in healthy volunteers and no serious safety concerns identified to date. The vaccine now requires testing on a large scale and a study involving 9,000 people in around 18 regions across the UK is starting.

Finding vaccines to prevent COVID-19 is likely to be the best way to prevent this disease. Guy's and St Thomas' continues to be at the heart of the national research effort, including trials of potential vaccines, and has been designated as a hub for south London vaccine studies.

Guy's and St Thomas' aims to recruit volunteers aged 18-84 from the local area. The study aims to recruit a representative sample from the entire population so most people will be suitable. However, this clinical trial would not be suitable for those taking anticoagulant therapy (aspirin is fine) or anyone pregnant or aiming to become pregnant in the next year.

Participants at higher risk from COVID-19 for any reason, for example due to their age, social situation or ethnicity, are particularly welcome.

You can help support COVID-19 vaccine research by signing up to be contacted about opportunities to take part in vaccine research studies through the NHS and NIHR national registry.