Trust research shows vaccine safety

Trust research has helped demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. Prof Marta Boffito is a co-author of a research study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and led the arm of the research trial at the Trust. 

The paper concludes that “A two-dose regimen of the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine administered to adult participants conferred 89.7% protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and showed high efficacy against the B.1.1.7 [Alpha] variant.” 

Prof Boffito said, “It is a remarkable achievement that across the world we have developed a number of safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19, a new and dangerous disease. Although we worked quickly, the existing safety and regulatory processes were followed. 

“We have only been able to achieve these results because of volunteers who came forward for clinical trials in large numbers, allowing this vaccine to be tested with over fifteen thousand people. Volunteers are central to effective research.” 

The decision whether to deploy this vaccine in the UK, and how, lies with the independent experts of the JCVI and the NHS.

The trial was conducted in the Trust’s Clinical Research Facility, a ward-like area outside the main Chelsea building, with research-dedicated staff, allowing participants to take part without being on actual wards.

The Trust continues to research vaccines to prevent, and antiviral drugs to treat, COVID-19.