Volunteers needed in Rhondda Cynon Taf for study into third and fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose

A global study spearheaded by biotechnology company Moderna, is being led in Wales by Public Health Wales, Health and Care Research Wales and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. 

The study in Wales, is being conducted at Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant and will investigate the efficiency of one of the world’s first Omicron-specific variant vaccines. Public Health Wales is looking for volunteers to take part in the research study in the South Wales area.

The study, which has multiple sites across the UK, will see volunteers receive a third or fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Opening for recruitment in Wales today, the study will investigate the efficacy of a new Moderna vaccine developed specifically for the Omicron variant. Half of the volunteers will be randomised to receive a Moderna Omicron variant vaccine and the other half vaccinated with the commonly used standard Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax).

There will be several follow up appointments to monitor the immune response, as well as phone calls with the research doctor to check on the volunteer’s health. Participants will also be asked to keep an eDiary to report any COVID-19 symptoms.

To be eligible to take part, volunteers need to:

• be 16 or over
• have had your second or third dose of any COVID-19 vaccine
• have not had COVID-19 since 8 November 2021

Dr Lucy Jones, Principal Investigator for the trial in Wales, said: “We’re proud to see Wales playing an important role in this Moderna study, and look forward to welcoming participants to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital who will be making a real difference in the fight against this virus. 

“Whilst infection rates remain high, the research effort mustn’t stop.  We need to continue to learn as much about COVID-19 as it mutates.”

Moderna has stated that while a third shot of its original COVID-19 vaccine increased neutralising antibodies against the Omicron variant at the lower half dose (used in the UK rollout), levels declined six months after the booster dose was administered. However, neutralising antibodies remained detectable in all participants.

This is one of the first studies globally to be assessing the effectiveness of a fourth COVID-19 dose, however, it is also recruiting people who are yet to receive their first booster dose - those who have received just two primary doses.

Dr Christopher Johnson, Interim Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme for Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is joining our partners and calling for volunteers in Wales to support this important trial.  We now need to understand how often booster vaccines are needed and if they could potentially go on to save more lives, especially of those who have underlying health conditions. Research will remain a crucial part of fighting the virus, including in the response to any future variants.”

Professor John Geen, Assistant Director for Research and Development at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s Research and Development team is excited to host the Moderna vaccine trial, providing further opportunity to maximise the investment in the recently developed Clinical Research Centre at Royal Glamorgan Hospital. It is also rewarding for the team to support the study, enabling Cwm Taf Morgannwg and the wider population of Wales to take part in such high quality and cutting-edge research.”

Dr Nicola Williams, National Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, said: “As we move through into the recovery phase of the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s important that we do not lose sight of how vital it is to support ongoing research into Coronavirus vaccines. 

“Over 1500 people in Wales so far have volunteered for COVID-19 vaccine trials and we thank them for their ongoing support. We now need others to come forward to support that effort. To find out if you are eligible to join the study, visit the study’s website.”