People over 50 invited to take part in trial of new flu vaccine

Southampton researchers are looking for people to join a trial investigating a new flu vaccine.

The Fluent Trial will see if an mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna can prevent older people from getting flu in winter.

It is a phase 3 trial - the last phase before an investigational vaccine can be made available for public use, subject to approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

People over the age of 50 can take part at Southampton Research Hub.

The facility is based in the Royal South Hants Hospital. It is staffed by a team from University Hospital Southampton.

Taking part

Everyone taking part in the trial will receive a vaccine against seasonal flu. This will either be the investigational vaccine or a separate flu vaccine that is already approved for use.

People who do not qualify for an NHS flu vaccine may still be eligible to receive either an investigational or commercially available flu vaccine in the Fluent Trial.

To take part, you must be 50 years of age or older, in good health and not have had seasonal flu within six months of starting the trial. You can find out more on the Fluent Trial website.

The clinical trial team will support everyone who takes part. They will go through important details with you, such as what the trial involves and any risks, before you agree to take part.

Those who take part will be reimbursed for their time on the trial and expenses such as travel costs.

Protecting people against flu

In winter, seasonal flu can cause serious illness, especially for older people. It can mean thousands of people in the UK receive hospital treatment every day.

Dr Patrick Moore, co-director of Wessex Research Hubs, said: “Research into potential vaccines that may protect older people against seasonal flu is important.

“If effective, these vaccines offer one of the most successful ways we can both lower the risk of serious flu-related illness and help reduce the pressure on health and social care services during the winter.”