Volunteers are needed to participate in a trial for a new vaccine against norovirus, a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, known as the winter vomiting bug. The vaccine has shown promising results in creating a strong immune response, and experts believe it could help protect people from this contagious illness. Norovirus leads to thousands of hospital admissions and deaths each year in the UK.
The trial, which involves 27 NHS hospitals and centers across England, Scotland, and Wales, aims to recruit 2,500 participants by the end of December. Half of the volunteers will receive the vaccine, while the other half will receive a placebo, and they will be monitored for approximately 25 months. The goal is to determine the efficacy of the vaccine, with scientists hoping for a 65% or higher success rate.
Dr. Patrick Moore, the chief investigator for the study, highlighted the urgent need for a norovirus vaccine, as there are currently no approved vaccines available worldwide. The virus causes symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea for a few days and affects people of all ages, with a high prevalence during the winter months. Approximately one in five cases of gastroenteritis is caused by norovirus in the UK, totaling millions of cases annually.
The trial is open to adults of all ages, with a particular emphasis on recruiting individuals aged 60 and over who are more vulnerable to severe complications from norovirus. The study aims to enroll around 25,000 participants globally, including countries like the US, Canada, and Japan. The vaccine targets three common strains of norovirus responsible for the majority of cases.
This initiative is part of a long-term partnership between the UK and Moderna to advance mRNA research and development. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the significant burden that norovirus places on the NHS each winter and the potential benefits of a successful vaccine in preventing outbreaks and reducing healthcare costs. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at risk of severe illness from norovirus.
In 2023, there was a notable increase in norovirus cases in England, putting additional strain on healthcare facilities. Outbreaks are common in settings like care homes, hospitals, nurseries, and schools, highlighting the need for effective prevention measures. The new vaccine trial offers hope for a future where norovirus outbreaks can be prevented, easing the pressure on healthcare systems and keeping the population healthy during the colder months.
