Volunteers aged 18-30 needed in Wrexham for new COVID-19 vaccine booster study

Volunteers are needed to take part in a new COVID-19 vaccine booster study in Wrexham.

Researchers are looking at whether a part dosage of an approved third or fourth dose (booster) is effective and safe in young adults.

The study (COV-Boost) is being run by Public Health Wales at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and is sponsored by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

Young adults have a stronger immune response to vaccines than older adults, and results from COVID-19 vaccine studies have suggested lower doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may give as good an immune response in young adults as higher doses. Lower doses may also be linked with fewer side effects or lower rates of already rare adverse events.

Using lower doses could allow existing stocks of vaccines to be given to more people, which is important while the need for vaccines is greater than the number of doses available globally.

Volunteers will be randomised in the study to receive either full or part doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and they will then be asked to keep a diary of symptoms over the next seven days.

There will also be several follow up appointments to monitor immune response and to check on volunteers’ health.

To be eligible to take part, volunteers need to:

• be 18-30 years old
• have received 2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna and are at least 6 months (180 days) since their previous dose
• have not yet received a booster

The study team will provide participants with reimbursement of up to £225 for time, inconvenience and travel (depending on the total number of visits you attend). The total study participation time is up to 8 months.

Anyone interested in finding out more and signing up can visit the study website: https://www.covboost.org.uk/participate-wrexham-substudy

Dr Orod Osanlou, Consultant Physician and Principal Investigator for Public Health Wales and the COV-Boost study said:

We know young adults have a stronger immune response to vaccines than older adults, and results from previous COVID-19 vaccine research suggests lower doses may give just as effective as higher doses.

This could also mean fewer side effects for young adults and it could allow existing stocks of vaccines to be given to more people.

As we head into the winter months it's important we keep researching ways in which we can keep this virus and any future mutations at bay, helping ease the pressure on the NHS and avoid any restrictions."

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, said:

It’s important we continue to find out as much as possible about the effective use of COVID-19 vaccines through research studies like COV-Boost.

We’re incredibly grateful to the volunteers who have already contributed to our vaccine research and hope others will continue to step forward to help.”

For more information visit www.covboost.org.uk/participate-wrexham-substudy where you can also complete the pre-screening questionnaire to see if you will be eligible.

If you would like any further information regarding the study email BCU.covboostqueries@wales.nhs.uk or call 03000 858032