Case study: 'It's important to do our bit' - Kelly's story

After her baby daughter Connie-Jo was hospitalised with bronchitis, Kelly Powell from Wednesbury had no hesitation in signing up to the HARMONIE trial of a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which she heard about from her GP.

Kelly (pictured with Connie-Jo) said: “She was a really poorly baby for the first 12 months and I was keen to find anything that would help.  I had become more aware of research after the pandemic, and it was a very easy and convenient study to take part in.  We just went to the GP surgery for the injection.

“The communication from the study team was very good throughout, and we have signed up for a second year. I really think it helped her; we’ve noticed a real improvement.”

Kelly added that she would definitely consider taking part in other studies in future, both for herself and her children. “The older I get, the more I feel it’s important to do our bit towards finding new treatments.”

The UK is the first country in the world to offer a national vaccination programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both infants and older adults from RSV.

Anyone interested in finding studies to take part in, can register at www.bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk.

ENDS

For further information contact:  Claire Hall, Communications Lead on 07775 800227 or email claireanne.hall@nihr.ac.uk