Researchers at Grounded Research, the research team at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), are calling for people who have had one dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine to volunteer to take part in a study, which could set the foundations for how booster COVID-19 vaccinations are delivered in the future.
This study is important in helping to understand the most effective way of maintaining the good progress made so far in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is sponsoring the study which is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). It will determine whether booster COVID-19 vaccines should be given at the same time as flu vaccines.
While there are vaccines that have been approved to protect against COVID-19 in the UK, it is not yet known whether further booster doses may be required to give continued protection, and how giving boosters might fit in with the seasonal flu jab programme.
From 17 May 2021, Grounded Research will work with the study team, the Bristol Trials Centre at the University of Bristol, to look at the side effects and immune response when volunteers receive their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time. The study will involve people aged 18 years old or over who have received their first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination and are awaiting their second dose.
Dr Adrian Phillipson, who will be leading the trial for Grounded Research, said: “As a society we need to immunise large numbers of people against COVID-19, and we also need to continue the seasonal flu vaccination schedule.
“This vital research will help us know if it’s possible to protect people from both viruses at the same appointment, which would mean fewer appointments for those who need both vaccines and would reduce the burden on those who have underlying health conditions who would usually be offered the influenza vaccine.
The trial will be run from Grounded Research's new dedicated centre for vaccine research, the result of a partnership with NHS partners from primary and secondry care, local governemnt and higher education, based in the RDaSH Tickhill Road Site in Balby, Doncaster.
RDaSH Executive Medical Director, Dr Navjot Ahluwalia, said: “This significant piece of research will potentially help protect more people in society against both flu and COVID-19, both of which have significant effects on those most vulnerable in society. This next step, following the success of both the flu campaign and the COVID-19 vaccine roll out this year, will make sure protection for the public is achieved. Those taking part in this trial will play a crucial role in the global effort to continue to protect people from COVID-19, now and in the years to come.”
For more information about the study and how to sign up please follow this link https://comflucov.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/participate-rotherham-doncaster-and-south-humber-nhs-foundation-trust/
To contact Grounded Research please phone 01302 798456 or email rdash.groundedresearch@nhs.net.