A new vaccine trial is currently underway at St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, aimed at preventing seasonal influenza (flu) in adults aged 50 years and over. The trial, known as the Fluent Trial, is recruiting participants to receive either the investigational vaccine or a flu vaccine that is already approved for use.
Individuals interested in participating in the trial must be 50 years of age or older, in good health, and have not had seasonal flu within the past six months. The clinical trial team will provide support to all participants throughout the trial process.
Moderna, the company behind the Fluent Trial programme, will reimburse participants for their time and expenses related to the trial. Dr. Anna Goodman, a Consultant in Infectious Diseases and General Medicine, and Principal Investigator for the Fluent Trial at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the importance of research into vaccines that can protect older individuals against seasonal flu.
If successful, these vaccines could significantly reduce the risk of serious flu-related illness and alleviate the strain on health and social care services during the winter months. The Fluent Trial is currently in phase three of clinical trials, the final stage before an investigational vaccine can be approved for public use by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Phase three trials involve evaluating the vaccine in a large group of people, with the Fluent Trial aiming to recruit over 56,000 participants across Europe, North America, and Asia. To participate in the trial, individuals can visit the trial’s website for more information and to sign up.
The development of a new vaccine to prevent seasonal flu in adults over 50 is a promising step towards improving public health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. By participating in the Fluent Trial, individuals have the opportunity to contribute to important research that could benefit older adults worldwide.
It is crucial for researchers and healthcare providers to continue exploring innovative solutions to protect vulnerable populations from infectious diseases like the flu. The potential success of the Fluent Trial could have far-reaching implications for public health strategies and disease prevention efforts in the future.
As we navigate through the ongoing challenges posed by seasonal flu outbreaks, investing in research and development of effective vaccines remains a critical priority. The participation of individuals in clinical trials like the Fluent Trial is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes for all.
