NHS thanks Mancunians for COVID-19 vaccine trial support

NHS researchers have thanked the Greater Manchester community after more than 20,000 people registered their interest in being part of COVID-19 vaccine trials.

Thanks to the fantastic public response, NHS hospital trusts in Greater Manchester have been able to carry out a number of trials to find safe and effective vaccines against the virus. 

Local volunteers who signed-up to the registry last year have already made a vital contribution to developing successful vaccines, and their involvement now promises to help protect people across the UK and the rest of the world. 

For example, over 1,240 Greater Manchester citizens are part of the trial for the Novavax vaccine. 

Interim findings, published in January, show the Novavax vaccine is 89.3% effective at preventing COVID-19, including the UK variant. 

This trial has been carried out by local research teams at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, where 762 participants are involved, and the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, where 480 participants from Oldham and surrounding areas are taking part.  

Greater Manchester has contributed more participants to this groundbreaking study than any other part of the UK. 

The National Institute for Health Research in Greater Manchester has made this video to thank everyone who has come forward. 

https://twitter.com/NIHRCRN_gman/status/1354449563738898435

“These results are fantastic and something Greater Manchester’s NHS research community – and the amazing trial participants – can proudly say they have played a big part in,” said Professor Andy Ustianowski, Deputy Clinical Director at NIHR Clinical Research Network Greater Manchester, and NIHR national joint Specialty Lead for Infection.

“This huge research project has been made possible thanks to a ‘One Greater Manchester’ approach which involved colleagues from across various NHS organisations working together to ensure local communities had the opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking research. 

“We sincerely thank all the staff and participants whose contribution should now benefit so many people.”

More vital research is still being carried out, in Greater Manchester and across the UK, to ensure there are vaccines for everyone. 

There are different types of vaccines, and researchers are continuing trials to see which ones best protect people from COVID-19. 

The NHS needs your help to develop these vaccines for all. 

People over the age of 18, who have not yet received a licensed COVID-19 vaccine, can register their interest by signing up to the NHS COVID-19 vaccine research registry. 

By doing so, you will join a database of volunteers who agree to be contacted by NHS researchers when a suitable trial is happening near you.

Signing up does not commit you to being part of a trial – you can say ‘no’ at any stage and request that your details be removed from the COVID-19 vaccine research registry.