New coronavirus vaccine trial starts UK

Volunteers have started being immunised with a brand-new UK coronavirus vaccine.

About 300 people will inject the vaccine over the upcoming weeks, as part of a trial led by Prof Robin Shattock and his colleagues, at Imperial College London. Tests in animals imply the vaccine is safe and triggers an efficient immune response. Specialists at Oxford University have already started human trials.

The trials are among many across the world – there are approximately 120 vaccine programmes underway

Kathy, 39, who works in finance, is one of the first volunteers taking part in the Imperial trial.

She said she volunteered because she desired to perform a part in combating the virus.

“I think it came from not really knowing what I could do to help, and this turned out to be something that I could do.

“And understanding that it’s not likely that things will get back to normal until there is a vaccine, so wanting to be part of that progress as well.”

After this first phase, another trial is being planned for October, involving 6,000 people.

The Imperial team hopes the vaccine could be distributed in the UK and overseas from early 2021.

Source:(BBC)