A world-leading study into the effectiveness of a coronavirus vaccine begins today (Tuesday) in Leeds.
Hundreds of volunteers from Leeds have signed up to the groundbreaking trial, which could prove to be a vital step forward in the battle to overcome the deadly virus.
For the very first time, a phase three study will test the effectiveness of the new Novavax Covid-19 vaccine.
Participants have been selected to cover a broad range of people from different age groups and backgrounds, with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust pioneering the study.
Thousands of others from Yorkshire have also signed up to the NHS Vaccine Registry, and those who have not been selected for the initial phase three study could still be called upon by research scientists in Leeds.
In fact, 600 more people will enroll on the study in the next three weeks.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done and researchers are keen for more people to volunteer for the ongoing study.
In particular, they want people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to sign up, as well as those with underlying health conditions and the over 65s.
Professor Chris Twelves, director of the NIHR Leeds Clinical Research Facility at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, said: “Today marks the start of the first Covid-19 Vaccine trial in Leeds. This was only possible because of the hard work and dedication from the Leeds, Harrogate and York city-wide multidisciplinary Covid-19 Vaccine Trial Delivery Team.
“I would like to thank everyone who has signed up to take part in the upcoming trials, but also say a massive thank you to the University of Leeds and Leeds Becket University for agreeing to host the vaccines recruitment centre.”
Dr Phil Wood, chief medical officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The city’s enthusiasm to take part in research during the pandemic has been amazing. Only by working together will we be able find an effective vaccine which will help us to control Covid-19."
Cllrr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I’m delighted that Leeds is playing its part in this global ambition to fight coronavirus. A vaccine is the only guarantee to keep people safe from this devastating disease.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone in Leeds who has already signed up to this significant trial and would urge others to register if they are able to do so.”
To find out more about the the NHS Vaccine Registry or to sign up, click here.
