Sussex infectious disease experts take part in nationwide Covid study
They're looking for volunteers to take part
A team of infectious disease experts from the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is taking part in a brand new Covid study, becoming one of just ten teams to do so.
It's a sub-study of an already completed study called the COV-Boost trial, which proved vaccines were safe and effective to use as a booster.
This study will look into the safety and efficiency of a possible fourth dose of a vaccine.
Sunil Sharma, Consultant in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at UHSussex, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this study. It is really exciting for the team and a real credit to their work.
“We are looking at the possibility of a 4th dose, if you like – a second booster.
“Previous studies and evidence have shown us that two doses are thought to provide little protection against infection, but will protect against serious illness. However, three doses provide much improved protection against infection and severe disease or death. We also know that protection against infection wanes over a period of months following vaccination.
“This sub-study is looking at the immune response following a 4th dose of vaccine. The booster vaccines being used are the Moderna vaccine, adapted against the Omicron variant and the Pfizer vaccine. The safety profiles of these vaccines given as a fourth dose are also being tested.”
Sunil added: “We don’t know if there will be another wave – no-one really does. We are trying to get ahead of the game so that if there is another wave we will be ready. This trial will inform the Government and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation about where we are with the next booster should it be needed.”