Case study: Max chose to help COVID-19 vaccine research

He is one of 4,000 participants that are to be recruited across the UK. Everyone involved in the study will receive two active vaccine doses, administered in a four-week interval. Those enrolled in the study over the age of 30 will be randomised to receive two doses of either the Valneva vaccine, or the approved Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. Participants aged 18-29 can be enrolled into the study to receive the Valneva vaccine and will not be offered the approved Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Max, 20, a recent music graduate from Guildford, said:

“I joined the study because I want to help vaccine research. I also want to get vaccinated so I can get my life back to normal as quickly as possible.

“I have friends in different parts of the country who I want to visit and I don’t want to spread or catch the virus as move around locations.”

Dr Hana Hassanin, who is the local Principal Investigator for the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and University of Surrey site, said:

“Although there are a number of vaccines now available it is important that the scientific and medical community continue to develop and trial new inoculations, as we have seen a one size fits all approach does not apply to vaccinations. A variety of proven vaccines will also help protect countries from supply, or other, issues that may mean one vaccine becomes difficult to manufacture or distribute.”

The Valneva vaccine study is recruiting participants throughout May 2021. Volunteers can register their interest in being part of the Valneva vaccine study at the Surrey site by emailing rsch.vaccineresearchleads@nhs.net or calling 01483 684 199.