Trust helps demonstrate effectiveness of COVID vaccine

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was part of a study that showed the Valneva COVID-19 vaccine produced a high antibody response to the disease. The trial compared this vaccine with the one produced by AstraZeneca. Further trials will establish how effective the vaccine is at preventing the disease. 

Valneva uses a more traditional vaccine technology, employing a harmless, inactivated version of the virus that causes COVID-19. It is not possible to catch the disease from the vaccine. 

Every trial relies on volunteers from the general public. 122 participants were recruited for the trial, and full use was made of the Trust’s Clinical Research Facility (CRF), which is a COVID-safe, separate facility from the main hospital and is networked with other NIHR CRFs in North West London.

Site Principal Investigator Prof Marta Boffito said: “Our thanks to the volunteers who came forward so quickly and helped us assess this vaccine. COVID-19 remains a very significant health issue across the world, and vaccine development is important to improve access and choice.”

We are pleased to be one of 20 NIHR sites.

• Read a report on the study