A new COVID-19 vaccine trialled by NHS staff in Hartlepool has been conditionally approved for use. It will help fight rising cases and an increasing need to protect more people.
The national Novavax vaccine study was trialled at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. The European Regulator (EMA) and the World Health Organisation have now authorised it for use.
The team at Hartlepool includes staff from three of the region’s health trusts recruiting participants from across the region. These Trusts are:
- North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Kerry Colling, project manager of the Hartlepool site, said: “This is fantastic news for everyone involved in the trial.
“Staff from three trusts have come together, bringing collective knowledge which meant we were selected as one of the sites for the trial.
“The team have been ably supported by a group of volunteers who have welcomed and supported participant and performed routine checks including taking people’s temperature.
“And thank you to all of the participants for offering their time to be involved in this study and – in light of delays in the approval process – for their patience and support.
“Without outstanding team, support from our volunteers and the commitment of our willing participants, this new COVID-19 vaccine would not have been available for use.
“Together, we are helping protect people and to ultimately improve health outcomes and to save lives.”
For more information about research trials, visit our research and development webpage.