University Hospitals Sussex is one of only ten trust’s taking part in a new nationwide study which researchers hope will help keep us ahead of any new Covid wave.
The UHSussex NHS Foundation Trust team were also involved in the UK-wide COV-Boost trial, which showed which Covid-19 vaccines were safe and effective to use as boosters, informed the UK’s booster roll-out in autumn 2021, and provided vital evidence for vaccinations worldwide.
It was the world’s first such study and UHSussex was one of 18 organisations across the UK taking part.
Now the UHSussex research team is one of ten across the UK taking part in a COV-Boost sub-study, which is looking at the safety and efficacy of further vaccines against the current Omicron variant and potential future Covid waves.
Sunil Sharma, Consultant in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at UHSussex, said:
“We are delighted to be involved in this study. It is really exciting for the team and a real credit to their work.
“We are looking at the possibility of a 4th dose, if you like – a second booster.
“Previous studies and evidence have shown us that two doses are thought to provide little protection against infection, but will protect against serious illness. However, three doses provide much improved protection against infection and severe disease or death. We also know that protection against infection wanes over a period of months following vaccination.
“This sub-study is looking at the immune response following a 4th dose of vaccine. The booster vaccines being used are the Moderna vaccine, adapted against the Omicron variant and the Pfizer vaccine. The safety profiles of these vaccines given as a fourth dose are also being tested.”
Sunil added:
“We don’t know if there will be another wave – no-one really does. We are trying to get ahead of the game so that if there is another wave we will be ready. This trial will inform the Government and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation about where we are with the next booster should it be needed.”
The Trust is looking to recruit 41 volunteers. Anyone who is interested in taking part must:
• Be over 30
• Had either the Pfizer or Moderna booster 3 months ago
• Be in good health
• Be interested in having another booster
The Trust will recruit over the next month and anyone is free to take part if they qualify and can find out more here https://covboost.org.uk/participate-omicron
Information supplied by UHSussex
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