Call to support NIHR-supported vaccine research in London

We can live with the COVID-19 virus because of innovative vaccine research that has taken place in the UK, with a significant contribution from NHS hospitals across London.

The COV-BOOST study, funded and delivered by the NIHR and others, has helped us better understand the effectiveness of third-and fourth-dose vaccinations, which offer vital protection to those most vulnerable to infection.

Third-dose COVID-19 booster vaccines offer lasting protection after several months, according to the latest results of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) supported COV-BOOST study, which is very welcome news. The rapid development and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines have been vital to forging a path out of the pandemic.

While life in the UK has largely returned to normal, COVID-19 has not gone away, and insight into the long-term protection offered by different vaccines could help the development of future vaccines.

In the future, vaccines that provide longer-lasting immunity may now be preferred to those that need to be given at shorter intervals. Different doses may be an option depending on the duration of people’s immune response.

We urge Londoners and people across the UK to continue supporting ongoing vital research into new vaccines for COVID-19 and other infections such as flu. You can find out about the latest vaccine research taking place in London and across the UK on the Be Part of Research website.

Dr Anna Goodman, a Consultant in Infection and Principal Investigator for the COV-BOOST study at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Professor Vincenzo Libri, Director of NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility and Principal Investigator for the COV-BOOST study at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust