Our team at St George’s Vaccine Institute (SGVI) have taken part in a huge number of COVID-19 studies since the start of the pandemic 3 years ago. The SGVI runs a number of both clinic- and ward-based studies looking at the prevention of infectious diseases across all age groups, including adults, paediatrics, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups, with over 25 years experience in conducting clinical research trials.
Throughout these studies, a number of essential recruitment strategies have been used to reach target audiences and enlist participants on the studies. This included mailouts, clinic screening, contacting local GP surgeries, newsletters, social media campaigns, and using pre-existing databases. Public engagement has also been essential, including running Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) groups and reaching out to local schools.
The SGVI ran a total of 14 COVID studies throughout the pandemic, including Phase I – IV studies, with some amazing statistics listed below:
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6948 volunteers expressed an interest |
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4551 volunteers contacted and pre-screened |
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2627 volunteers booked for screening |
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1753 volunteers enrolled in the studies |
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3372 vaccine / placebo doses given so far.. |
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7695 total scheduled visits attended… |
Two of the most prominent studies our team have been involved in include:
- The Novavax COVID-19 study, where we were the coordinating centre and Professor Paul Heath was the Chief Investigator.
- The Preg-CoV study, where we are the sponsor and Professor Paul Heath is the Chief Investigator. This is a Phase II, randomised, single-blind, platform trial to assess safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women in the United Kingdom, using an adaptive platform design. Preg-CoV is the largest ever pregnancy vaccine trial in the UK!
A huge thank you to our team of doctors, clinical research fellows, research nurses, research midwives, and project managers who has meticulously coordinated and executed these research trials, across all age groups, in the fight against COVID-19.
