What’s next in the fight against COVID-19?

The NextCOVE Study is looking for participants in south London to help researchers evaluate potential new solutions to COVID-19.

The NextCOVE Study is researching an investigational vaccine to see if it will protect against multiple variants of COVID-19 for individuals ages 12 to 17 who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and individuals ages 18 and older who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and at least 1 booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 pandemic was like nothing we’ve seen in more than a century and it altered each and every one of our lives. Important research continues to evaluate investigational vaccines against different variants of COVID-19.

Dr Catherine Cosgrove, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Acute Medicine at St George’s Hospital (Tooting) and the Chief Investigator for the study, explained the study’s aim:

“The COVID-19 vaccines have saved many millions of lives around the world. The COVID-19 virus keeps changing, so it's important to keep looking at different investigational vaccines to see if they can help stop people from becoming very unwell should they come into contact with the COVID-19 virus. This study is looking at two different investigational vaccines, including one that is given in a low dose, to see if they produce antibodies and help protect against the COVID-19 illness.”

The NextCOVE Study is currently recruiting participants at St George’s Hospital (Tooting). Dr Cosgrove said:

“We are looking for people who are willing to help continue to advance research of investigational vaccines against COVID-19 disease and can find the time to come to the study appointments. The volunteers need to be well at the time of enrolment. Any medical conditions need to be stable and under good control.”

The study is hoping to recruit over 10,000 volunteers worldwide, with volunteers in south London invited to take part in this international study. Dr Cosgrove said:

“We are hoping to recruit very quickly to this study. It’s so important to research these vaccines swiftly, so that we may be ready globally to respond to COVID-19 should we have another surge.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a nasty wake up call to the world. Currently, we have managed to get life back to normal with the vaccinations we have had. However, the virus can change and it's important to keep up with the virus by trialling different types of investigational vaccines.”

To learn more and find out if you or your child can take part today, visit NextCOVEStudyUK.com or contact nextcovestudy@sgul.ac.uk.