OVER 500 people have signed up to a Covid vaccine trial in the North-East.
NHS staff from across Durham and the Tees Valley have been part of a joined team investigating a possible new Covid vaccine at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, which over 500 people have signed up to take part in.
The research team running the Novavax trial have thanked NHS staff and the community after exceeding their target for volunteers.
Over the last two months the trial has reached its national recruitment target of more than 15,000 participants, with the North-East team signing up more than 500 people.
Research lead Kerry Colling said: “We are delighted with the response we have had from our community – so many people have come forward and wanted to play their part to help the NHS in its fight against Covid-19.
“I’d really like to thank not only all staff involved in the trial here, but also the support staff who have done so much to help us.
“Domestics, information technology, estates, porters, supplies and finance, as well as so many more.
“People across Hartlepool hospital and the wider organisation couldn’t have been more helpful. Whatever we have needed, they have been so quick to help.”
Interim data from the trial is expected as early as the first quarter of 2021.
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