Healthy over-70s wanted to take part in Covid-19 vaccine trial

Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham

Volunteers aged over 70 are being invited to take part in a trial for a Covid-19 vaccine.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is looking for people over 70 to take part in its trial of a vaccine, which is being developed at the University of Oxford.

The vaccine does not contain the virus and does not put anyone taking part in the research at risk of catching it, the trust said.

Patrick Lillie, consultant in infectious diseases and principal researcher for the vaccine trial in Hull, said: “Researchers need to trial the vaccine in people of all ages to make sure the vaccine is effective no matter how old someone is. Participation in this trial could really make a difference during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We need healthy people aged 70 and over to contact us. In general, Covid-19 is more dangerous for older people, so a vaccine would be particularly beneficial for people in older age groups. The vaccine does not contain the virus so it is impossible to catch coronavirus or develop Covid-19 from the vaccine itself.

“I would urge people to contact us and help us with this vital study.”

‘VITAL STUDY’: Dr Patrick Lillie

Patient information sheets which offer more details about the study can be found on the trial website: https://www.covid19vaccinetrial.co.uk/participate-hull-1.

Those interested in taking part should click on the ‘Pre-Screening Questionnaire’ button and complete the online form. Anyone with questions about the study can contact hyp-tr.huth-oxvaccinetrial@nhs.net.

Dr Lillie was part of the team in the infectious diseases unit at Castle Hill Hospital that dealt with the UK’s first two coronavirus cases in January. Two Chinese nationals, a mother and her son, were transferred to Castle Hill by specialist ambulance after being taken ill in York.

Both patients recovered after treatment.