Residents in West Dunbartonshire in good health and over the age of 55-years-old are being asked to take part in a Covid-19 vaccine trial.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and the University of Glasgow are supporting the University of Oxford’s trials.
The organisations are now recruiting approximately 200 people to join the trial, with around 100 people needed between aged 55 and 65 and 100 people needed over the age of 65.
This will be in addition to the 412 people who are already taking part, which includes NHSGGC and care staff who have worked in clinical areas.
The trial involves NHS and institutions across the UK and aims to assess how well people across a broad range of ages could be protected from Covid-19 with this new vaccine.
It will also provide valuable information on safety aspects of the vaccine and its ability to generate good immune responses against the virus.
The results of the phase I/II trial were published last month in the scientific journal The Lancet, and indicate no early safety concerns and a strong immune response in both parts of the immune system.
Participants are randomised to receive one or two doses of either the new ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine or a licensed meningitis vaccine that will be used as a ‘control’ for comparison.
Participants will be involved in the trial for the next 12 months and will be supported by NHSGGC and University of Glasgow researchers throughout its duration.
Dr Jennifer Armstrong, medical director of NHSGGC, said: “We’re proud to have NHSGGC join the global effort in finding an effective vaccine for Covid-19.
“Our dedicated team of health and care staff have put patients first every step of the way as we responded to this virus.
“I’m proud of those who have got involved in research that will hopefully help patients, staff and society as a whole in future.”
For anyone looking to take part, visit https://www.covid19vaccinetrial.co.uk/participate-glasgow
