The research team investigating a possible new vaccine for COVID-19 have thanked the support staff who have helped – after exceeding their recruitment target.
NHS staff from across Durham and the Tees Valley have been part of a joined team running the Novavax trial at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Over the last few weeks the team have been taking on volunteers for the study and have now finished this process – signing up more than 500 people.
Over the last two months the trial has reached its national recruitment target of more than 15,000 participants.
Research lead Kerry Colling said: “We are delighted with the response we have had from our community – so many people have come forward and wanted to play their part to help the NHS in its fight against COVID-19.
“I’d really like to thank not only all staff involved in the trial here, but also the support staff who have done so much to help us.
“Domestics, information technology, estates, porters, supplies and finance, as well as so many more.
“People across Hartlepool hospital and the wider organisation couldn’t have been more helpful. Whatever we have needed, they have been so quick to help.”
We are expecting interim data from the trial as early as the first quarter of 2021.
