Join the fight against COVID-19 and volunteer to be part of a new vaccine trial.
COVID-19 is a virus that affects us all.
Many of us will know of the impact it has on daily living and life. Now there is a chance for you to help your family, friends and community by joining the NHS in its fight against COVID-19.
Across Durham and Tees Valley, we are running Coronavirus vaccine research and looking for volunteers to join. Right now, the NOVAVAX vaccine study is running at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and you may be able to volunteer if you are:
- Aged 18 to 84
- At normal or high risk for COVID-19 infection
Vaccine trial
- In the past 8 weeks have you been diagnosed with any new illness or disease?
- Are you currently participating in, or planning to participate in another study to prevent or treat COVID-19?
- Have you participated in a study where you were informed of whether you have antibodies to COVID-19?
- Have you received a research drug or a research medical device requiring minor surgery within the past 45 days?
- Will you be receiving a flu vaccine within seven days of your planned vaccine trial appointment?
- Have you received any other vaccines within the past four weeks of a planned vaccine trial appointment?
- Have you ever been tested positive for COVID-19?
- Do you have any bleeding disorder that would prevent you from receiving intramuscular injections or blood draws?
- Have you received any blood products within the past three months?
- Has a healthcare professional ever diagnosed you with a long-term neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease or strokes?
- Has a healthcare professional ever diagnosed you with a long-term heart, lung, intestinal, liver or kidney problem?
- Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study?
If you answered ‘no’ to all the questions above and would like to volunteer to support us in our efforts to beat COVID-19 please go to the DTVRA Book When system and register for your first study appointment.
Please note: if you are directly involved in delivering any element of the trial you or any of your first degree relatives are unable to participate.
What can I expect if I take part in the vaccine trial?
If you enrol in this trial, you will be assigned at random to one of two groups:
However, one group will receive the investigational vaccine, while the other group will receive a placebo injection. A placebo injection means that you will receive an injection that looks just like the investigational vaccine, but has no medical benefit.
- You will receive study vaccine (investigational vaccine or placebo)
- There will be two visits for injections: one on the first day, and one three weeks after
- Trial-related tests include physical examinations, COVID-19 testing, and blood and urine samples
- You will participate for up to 56 weeks and have 6 visits at the clinic
- You will receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expense
- You may leave the study at any time
Please note, participation is voluntary and it is expected that any trial activity will be completed in your own time.
On behalf of all of your colleagues in the NHS – thank you.