Welsh Covid vaccine study looking for volunteers
Researchers are looking at whether a part dose of a booster is safe in young people
Last updated 17th Jan 2022
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 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 3 months (84 days) since their second dose
• have not yet received a booster
The study team will provide participants with reimbursement of up to ÂŁ225 for time, inconvenience and travel.
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.”
Dr Chris Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme (VPDP) at Public Health Wales, said:“Taking part in the study could make a real difference during this public health emergency.
"All the information we gather through research helps inform the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales.
“Further data will help us to understand how best to protect people now and in the future.”