Thousands more volunteers are needed to take part in the next stage of coronavirus vaccine testing - here’s how to get involved

More people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are wanted for the research (Photo: Shutterstock)More people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are wanted for the research (Photo: Shutterstock)
More people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are wanted for the research (Photo: Shutterstock)

Ten thousand UK volunteers are to take part in a new stage of a coronavirus vaccine trial, after signing up to aid research.

The trial for a vaccine, created by US biotech company Novavax, is the second phase three trial to take place in the UK, with 10,000 people invited to participate in the new phase.

Testing safety and effectiveness

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Phase three of the vaccine trials require a large number of people to participate to test the safety and effectiveness of the potential inoculation across a community.

The new trials are to be held across the country, including in Greater Manchester, London, Glasgow and Belfast.

The government has secured sixty million doses of the vaccine, which is to be manufactured in Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham, if it is successful.

The volunteers taking part had previously signed up to the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry back in July, while more than 250,000 people have signed up since.

More volunteers wanted

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Both researchers and the government are calling for more volunteers to take part in the studies, particularly people who:

  • are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
  • have underlying health conditions
  • are aged over 65

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said, “Our scientists and researchers are working day and night to find a vaccine that meets the UK’s rigorous safety standards, but we need even more people from all backgrounds and ages to sign up for studies to speed up this life-saving research.

“The more people that sign up, the quicker we can find a safe and effective vaccine, defeat this virus and protect millions of lives.”

How do I volunteer?

If you are interested in being a part of the ongoing research, you can register your interest online at bepartofresearch.

To sign up you must be aged 18 or over, and live in the UK.