Supporting maternal mental health before pregnancy could reduce the risk of babies developing respiratory illnesses in their first 18 months, according to new research. The study shows that maternal distress during critical early life periods is linked to babies developing wheezing illnesses in their first year and a half. The research involving Professor Keith Godfrey, from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre was led by a team at the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences. During the study, women were assessed before pregnancy, during pregnancy and after giving birth, while their children were monitored at ages three, six, 12 and 18 months. The team also looked at whether maternal distress had an effect on their babies developing eczema, rhinitis and allergic sensitisation. A global issue Allergy and respiratory infections are global health issues and impact the quality of life as well as school performance of children. The rapid increase in allergic diseases and respiratory illnesses is assumed to be due to environmental and lifestyle factors such as stress. Keith said: “Findings from epidemiological studies strongly suggest that maternal health during preconception and over the course of pregnancy and postnatal development influence child's health and increasing evidence suggests that maternal distress is a risk factor for the development of allergic and respiratory illnesses in their offspring. “To our knowledge, no previous studies have evaluated the impact of maternal distress during all three critical time periods – preconception, pregnancy and postnatal – and the development of allergic diseases and respiratory illnesses in the offspring. “We used data from 332 mother-child pairs from the Singapore PREconception Study of long Term maternal and child Outcomes (S-PRESTO) to evaluate offspring eczema, wheeze and rhinitis symptoms in the babies.” Research results The research results showed that higher maternal distress during preconception and pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of wheeze development in the first 18 months of a child’s life. Women who received emotional and practical support from family during preconception had a decreased risk of their children developing wheezing illnesses. No associations were observed between maternal distress and offspring eczema, rhinitis and allergic sensitisation. Keith added: “This study has highlighted the importance of supporting maternal mental health, even before pregnancy, to improve offspring’s health.”

Southampton researchers are inviting pregnant women to help study a new vaccine that would protect their baby from potentially life-threatening Group B streptococcus. The clinical trial in Southampton and London is investigating the best time to offer the vaccine to guard against the common bacterial infection. Protecting newborn babies Group B streptococcus, also known as Group B strep, affects two to four in 10 women. It is usually harmless in adults but can be very dangerous to unborn and newborn babies. It is responsible for nearly half of all life-threatening infections in newborns during the first three months of life. It also sometimes causes miscarriages, premature births and stillbirths. It usually lives in the lower intestine (rectum) or vagina, and can infect babies during pregnancy and birth. It is not routinely tested for in pregnancy in the UK, but may be found during tests carried out for another reason, such as a urine test or vaginal swab. The vaccine is being developed by Danish company MinervaX. The hope is that, by giving it to pregnant women, it will protect their baby during pregnancy and birth. Dr Chrissie Jones, Southampton study lead, says: “A safe and effective Group B Strep vaccine would be a game-changer for newborn infants, both in the UK and globally. This is a significant infection in newborn babies, that can be life-threatening and can also cause long-term problems in those babies who recover from the infection. “A vaccine against Group B Strep would be a massive step forwards in our ability to protect newborn infants from serious infection. We are inviting pregnant women from the Southampton area to help us test this vaccine.” Developing the vaccine In November, the World Health Organization reported the urgent need for a global vaccine against Group B strep. It linked the infection to over half a million preterm births annually, causing nearly 100,000 newborn deaths, at least 46,000 stillbirths, and significant long-term disability. The MinervaX vaccine has already been given to non-pregnant women in a previous UK study, with no safety concerns. It has been shown to induce a strong immune response – a sign it is effective – even in people with low levels of pre-existing immunity to the bacteria. Pregnant women in South Africa, Uganda and Denmark have taken part in studies of this vaccine. All babies in the South African study have been born, with no serious side effects reported. Taking part Women who are pregnant without complications can take part in the study. It is investigating the best time to offer the vaccine to pregnant women, to provide the most protection for their babies after birth. The study is being held in the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London. Participants will start the study at about 20 weeks of pregnancy and be followed through six months after delivery. There are 12 hospital visits in total including a screening visit. Volunteers can be reimbursed for travel costs. For more information on the study, please contact reprohealthresearcht@uhs.nhs.uk.

Tadpoles have helped researchers identify a new genetic disease that affects children's brain development. The condition is so new it doesn’t have a name yet. It causes some children’s brains to develop abnormally. This results in delayed intellectual development. Most patients with it have severe learning difficulties which affect their quality of life. Proving which gene causes the disease One in 17 people will suffer from a rare disease at some time in their lives. Most of these rare diseases have a genetic cause and often affect children. Yet proving which gene change causes a disease is a huge challenge. The research was led by a team from the universities of Southampton, Portsmouth and Copenhagen, including the Wessex Clinical Genetics Service at University Hospital Southampton. They found changes in a gene called Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor AMPA Type Subunit 1 (GRIA1) caused this rare disease. This discovery will help doctors develop targeted treatments for patients and their families. It will also open the door to screening and diagnosis in pregnancy. Changing the behaviour of tadpoles Studies connecting a gene and a disease are usually done using mice. But several studies have recently shown that experiments in tadpoles can also provide very strong evidence about the function of variant human genes. The GRIA1 gene helps to move electrical signals around the brain. If this process is interrupted or made less efficient, it can cause a reduction in the brain’s capacity to store information. The team consisted of frog geneticists, biochemists and clinical geneticists. Using gene editing, they mimicked the human gene changes in tadpoles. They also did a biochemical analysis of the gene changes in frog eggs. Together they showed these changes in GRIA1 are the underlying cause of this behaviour-altering disease. The results are published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. Joint lead author Prof Diana Baralle, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre researcher, Professor of Genomic Medicine and Consultant in Clinical Genetics, said: “Discovering these new causes for genetic disorders ends our patients’ diagnostic odyssey. This has been made possible by collaborative interdisciplinary working across universities.”

“Going forward a step change is needed to look at interventions to prevent obesity as part of a whole system and not in isolation.” That’s the view of Southampton practitioner academic Ravita Taheem who was asked to contribute to a national NIHR Themed Review looking at how local authorities can prevent obesity. A growing problem Obesity is a major public health concern and puts people at risk of chronic disease and reduced life expectancy. According to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, in 2020 to 2021 there was a sharp increase in the obesity prevalence in children in Reception and Year 6 – the largest increase recorded in the National Child Measurement Programme since it began in 2006 to 2007. The NIHR review drew on the expertise of staff at local councils and national organisations, as well as practitioners, researchers and members of the public. They gained valuable insights to address key questions about how local authorities can intervene to reduce the growing issue of obesity in the UK. Ravita’s view “Obesity prevention continues to be a major public health priority,” she said. “Public health teams have been asked to take a whole systems approach and recognise that local authorities are in a unique position to work with partners and influence the local drivers of obesity. This review gives local authorities a list of key ways in which they can intervene and help target obesity. “To support a whole systems approach and build the evidence-base, future research should consider how interventions interact with the context and explore how they change the system to prevent obesity.” The review findings The review suggests ways in which local authorities can: · influence what people buy and eat · encourage healthy schools · expand access to public sports and leisure services · promote active workplaces · provide weight-management programmes · design built and natural environments · enable active travel and public transport · prevent obesity in children and families · embrace system-wide approaches Ravita’s research Ravita is currently doing a PhD looking at how local government policy can tackle childhood obesity. Her research is supported by the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and Southampton City Council. She is a Senior Public Health Practitioner at Southampton City Council and is committed to promoting better health in communities. Her work focuses on reducing childhood obesity and other organisations to support a healthy weight environment in the city. She said: “The ultimate aim of my research is to highlight the complex factors involved in local government decision making to inform actions that public health officers can take to influence and progress policies for tackling childhood obesity.”

Volunteers will trial a new way to prevent whooping cough in a study launching in Southampton, following a sharp rise in cases in recent years. The research is testing a new type of vaccine for whooping cough as the current vaccines become less effective. Healthy volunteers will be compensated up to £3,775 to take part in the study that involves several visits to University Hospital Southampton and a 16-night stay at a hotel. The study, known as a ‘human challenge’ trial, will involve a nasal spray of the new vaccine, or placebo, followed three months later by controlled infection with the bacterium that causes whooping cough. Why is a vaccine needed? A vaccine for whooping cough, or pertussis, is currently offered in the UK to all babies. However, it does not offer lifelong protection, cannot stop upper airway infections and does not prevent people from spreading it. The current vaccine was first introduced 17 years ago, and we now know that it is less effective than the old vaccine that it replaced which had side effects. This has contributed to a four-fold rise in UK cases in recent years, from 6,216 in the years 2005-2011 to 25,891 between 2012-2018. Whooping cough can cause persistent coughing and breathing difficulties for up to three months. Whilst adults can have no symptoms, mild cold-like symptoms or sometimes a prolonged cough, the effects on babies under six months can be severe and even life-threatening. Caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, it is highly infectious and spread through coughs and sneezes. The bacteria can infect the upper airway without causing disease symptoms, so adults can spread it without knowing they have it. It is estimated to cause 160,000 deaths worldwide each year, half of which are in children less than a year old. It is therefore generally agreed that there is a need for new and more effective vaccines. A better vaccine might be able to reduce rates by protecting against the spread of the disease. What does taking part involve? In previous studies, researchers gave participants nose drops containing the vaccine BPZE1 – a weakened version of the bacteria that causes whooping cough. They found it infected their nose and throat without causing any disease symptoms, and produced an immune response. The results of this study, CHAMPION-1, will help researchers find out if the BPZE1 vaccine can protect people from being infected with the disease-causing bacteria. It is what is known as a ‘challenge’ study. An atomiser, which is similar to a nasal spray, will be used to deliver either the vaccine or a placebo into the nose of the participant. After 2–4 months participants will then be deliberately infected with the bacteria that causes whooping cough, to see if they are protected. This will be done in the controlled environment of the research clinic. After this they will then stay at the study hotel for 16 nights. Before they leave, they will be given a course of antibiotics to clear the bacteria from their nose. In summary, the study involves attending seven clinic visits over approximately six to eight months, including a 16-night stay at the study hotel in Southampton. Participants, who must be aged between 18-50 years and in good health, will be compensated up to £3,775 for their time and inconvenience. ‘Sharp increase in cases’ The research is led by Professor Robert Read, Director of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, and sponsored by ILiAD Biotechnologies. It is being delivered by the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility based in University Hospital Southampton Foundation NHS Trust. Professor Read says: “Despite the dramatic decline in whooping cough during the 20th century, there has been a sharp increase in cases in recent decades. There is an important need for new and more effective vaccines. We are inviting people in the Southampton area to become part of this journey to best protect people against this life-threatening bacteria.” To find out more, please visit champion1.co.uk.

Southampton researchers have demonstrated a safer and faster way of taking arterial blood gas samples from patients in intensive care units. The study, led by critical care nurse researcher Kay Mitchell, used a Point-of-Care device that accelerates the process and reduces time away from patients. The findings show intensive care units could significantly benefit from the device. The full results have been published in the Journal of Intensive Care Society Standard remote analysis Arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analysis is carried out routinely in intensive care units (ICUs). Typically, a nurse at the bedside takes blood from the patient through a small catheter that is directly inserted into the body. The blood sample is injected into an ABG machine located within or close to the ICU for analysis. For safety, a staff member is required to observe the patient while the nurse leaves to perform this blood analysis. Sampling is increased in patients with more severe illness, requiring more frequent absence from the patient’s bedside. Sampling the new system The Proxima POC device allows blood gas to be analysed at the bedside. Researchers recruited patients scheduled for non-complex elective cardiac surgery at University Hospital Southampton. Participants were allocated into groups; either ABG sampling using the Proxima machine or the standard ABG system. Results showed that ABG sampling using the new machine took one minute and 35 seconds, which is shorter than the standard blood gas technique. The nurses taking the Proxima samples were also only trained in using the system at the beginning of their shift, which means the time could even be further reduced with more experience. Safer and faster The study found that nurses needed to be away from the bedspace for over three minutes on average to analyse samples using the current system. This strain on ICU resources is compounded by a second person being needed to observe the patient during this time. Kay Mitchell, of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, says: “The cumulative benefits of improving this process may be significant in sicker patients requiring more frequent sampling. We are constantly striving to improve patient care and it is vitally important that we trial safer and faster ways of working that can reduce pressure on our ICUs.”

Southampton researchers will lead a new project to help prevent people from developing multiple, burdensome, long-term conditions at an early age. Increasing numbers of people are living with long-term conditions. These include diabetes, heart disease, depression and dementia. Having many of these at the same time is known as multimorbidity. Identifying risk factors Various factors influence the risk of developing these conditions. These include both biological factors and behaviours. Broader life experiences, such as education and work, are also linked to this risk. People from disadvantaged backgrounds and some ethnic minorities may be more likely to develop multimorbidity at a younger age. The researchers aim to understand what factors shape the development of early, burdensome multimorbidity. ‘Burdensome’ will be defined as part of the project. They define ‘early’ as developing multiple conditions before age 65. Using artificial intelligence The study will be led by Dr Simon Fraser and Dr Nisreen Alwan from the University of Southampton. It will use artificial intelligence (AI) and statistical methods to analyse information from two large electronic health record datasets and three birth cohort studies. Birth cohorts have followed people who were all born in the same week of a particular year (e.g. 1970) throughout their lives. The researchers will investigate the order in which people develop conditions. They will also study how they group together to become burdensome. The NIHR will fund the £2.2 million study. It will bring together researchers from five UK universities and Southampton City Council, with patient and public involvement expertise from colleagues in University Hospital Southampton. They will come from public health, primary care, maths and computer science. The research team will work with public and patient contributors to ensure the research is timely and relevant. The study forms part of the NIHR AIM programme. Dr Fraser, Associate Professor of Public Health, said: “Multiple long-term condition multimorbidity is more likely to develop at a younger age among people from more socioeconomically deprived backgrounds and certain ethnicities. "Using AI techniques will allow us to study the whole lifecourse and identify key targets and timepoints for public health preventive action. "I am delighted to be working with colleagues in maths, statistics, computer science, and policy across a number of institutions along with members of the public to address this pressing public health issue.” Dr Alwan, Associate Professor in Public Health, said: “This is a great opportunity to develop a co-produced approach, with the public and colleagues from various disciplines, that aims to investigate the early determinants of multimorbidity and examine how lifecourse health inequalities are shaped, and thus how to tackle them.”

Southampton researchers have helped show a greater immune response occurs if two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine are given 12 weeks rather than four weeks apart. The latest findings from the University of Oxford-led Com-COV study, show leaving a longer gap between vaccine doses may result in better immunity against COVID-19. The results, published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, support flexibility in the time left between the first and second doses for these two COVID-19 vaccines. This could be helpful in countries where vaccine supply may be inconsistent. The study was led in Southampton by Professor Saul Faust, Director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility. Mix-and-match approach The study, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care research (NIHR), trialled two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, two of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and mixes of both. A standard two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine schedule showed a greater antibody increase when given at a 12-week interval, compared to a four-week interval. In mixed schedules, only Pfizer-BioNTech followed by Oxford-AstraZeneca recorded a significantly stronger immune response in the 12-week versus four-week interval groups, and only at 28 days following a second dose. This lasted for six months after the second dose. No safety concerns were raised in the study of 730 participants. They were recruited across eight sites, including the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility. Informing COVID-19 vaccine schedules The Com-COV study first reported robust immune responses following mixed Oxford/Pfizer schedules in June 2021. Data from the study also informed the UK’s 2021 winter booster programme. Matthew Snape, Professor in Paediatrics and Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, and Chief Investigator on the trial, said: “This paper summarises data that have been made available to policy makers globally during the pandemic, providing vital information the impact of using short vs long intervals for a range of COVID-19 vaccine schedules. “These data are relevant not only to COVID-19 vaccines, but also how future vaccines using mRNA and viral vectored platforms against different diseases may be best deployed.” Professor Saul Faust, Consultant Paediatrician at University Hospital Southampton and Professor of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Southampton, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part. With your help, we have discovered how we can make the most of our current COVID-19 vaccine supplies. “This is particularly important for vaccinating those in low to middle income countries. Findings from this study could shape COVID-19 vaccine policy across the world.” Com-COV is currently looking for 12 to 15 year olds to take part in a study to analyse third dose options for young people.

Professor Keith Godfrey has received his MBE, awarded for services to medicine during the COVID-19 response. He was presented the honour by the Prince of Wales on Wednesday at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle. Professor Godfrey led critical aspects of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included advising on transmission through saliva droplets before symptoms develop, alongside conceiving and delivering the pivotal saliva test programme in Southampton that assisted the UK government in emerging from the COVID pandemic. His drive and leadership in piloting effective, regular mass testing for COVID-19 before vaccines became available was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours. Professor Godfrey is a theme lead of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. He is a Professor of Epidemiology and Human Development at the University of Southampton and Honorary Consultant within the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Pioneering COVID-19 saliva testing The programme pioneered regular at home self-sampling for COVID-19 using saliva, rather than uncomfortable and challenging nose and throat swabbing. This helped educational settings in the city identify and manage infections. It also demonstrated the reliability of RT-LAMP testing technology that is cheaper and faster than standard PCR testing. The programme integrated laboratory and NHS data systems to return laboratory test results by text and in national test and trace systems. In April 2020, Keith brought together a unique team to develop a testing solution to help ease restrictions. That team included experts in public health, social science, behavioural science, clinical data systems, education and infectious disease molecular biology. Forming a unique partnership The unique partnership spanned the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region. Partners piloted the approach in employer and educational settings, providing vital learning for the nation that was later applied in cities and testing approaches across the UK. “It is a huge honour to have been recognised in this way, but this really is a tribute to a truly dedicated team who worked tirelessly to mitigate the worst effects of the COVID epidemic on the most vulnerable in society,” comments Professor Godfrey. “The team formed a strong partnership between the University of Southampton, the Aspire Community Trust, Southampton City Council, the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Weybridge and the NHS. “Working together, we made enormous progress in developing saliva-based testing to reduce the risk of infection transmission in educational and other settings in Southampton, to give confidence to students, staff, parents and local communities, and informing national policy and coronavirus control measures elsewhere across the country.”

Professor Saul Faust has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours List. The Consultant Paediatrician at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and Professor of Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Southampton has played a leading role in the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. During the pandemic, Southampton researchers and medics led and supported multiple studies that helped to determine the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for use in adults and children across the world. One of the biggest studies, COV-BOOST, looked at the safety, immune responses and side-effects of seven vaccines when used as a third booster jab and made international headlines. The trials were led by Prof Faust. Findings not only played a major role in shaping the UK COVID booster programme, they were also recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Research leadership Southampton has been a crucial part of the nationwide pandemic response, delivering the highest number of COVID-19 studies across all acute NHS trusts. It has also been seen as a global leader that regularly appeared in international pandemic media coverage. Prof Faust has been involved in wider studies including a needle-free vaccine for COVID-19 variants. Most recently, the latest COV-BOOST results have shown that a fourth dose of UK-approved vaccines give a strong immunity boost. Prof Faust is Director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, an extensive, dedicated space for early-stage clinical research in the heart of UHS. He is Clinical Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex and a co-lead for Microbiology, Immunology and Infection in the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Prof Faust said: “I am deeply humbled and grateful to be recognised in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours. Although this award is to me, I couldn’t have done any of my work during the pandemic without the amazing research teams across Southampton, Dorset, Hampshire, South Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight. And of course, nothing would have been possible without the public coming forward to take part in the vaccine trials that are still continuing today.” ‘Richly deserved honour’ Prior to joining the UHS in 2006, he completed clinical research training as MRC clinical research fellow and clinical lecturer at Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus. David French, chief executive officer at University Hospital Southampton, said: “I know I speak for everyone in the UHS family in congratulating Saul Faust on receiving this most richly deserved honour. “Saul has been a supremely authoritative, clear and calm voice, trusted by the Government in helping to unlock the science and play a leading role in the development of a vaccine. “The research led by Saul, and his team here at University Hospital Southampton, has helped shaped not only the UK’s, but the world’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are all very proud that his efforts have been recognised in this special way.” Expanding clinical research The NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility based at UHS was recently awarded £10m to grow its capacity over the next five years, building on its position as one of the leading centres for research delivery in the country. Dr Karen Underwood, Director of Research & Development (R&D) at UHS, said: “I am delighted that Saul has been recognised with this national honour. Saul’s knowledge, expertise and commitment has been truly outstanding throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “His leadership has been instrumental to building understanding, treatment and prevention of the virus. Under his vision, I am confident that our NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility will continue to expand the city’s participation in ground-breaking studies that improve patient care. Many congratulations Saul.” Dr William van’t Hoff, Chief Executive Officer at NIHR Clinical Research Network, said: "On behalf of everyone at the NIHR, I'd like to thank Saul for his dedication and commitment when it comes to his role within vital COVID-19 vaccine research. “Throughout the pandemic, he has worked tirelessly to lead, support and deliver trials of vaccines, which are now saving lives around the world. He has been Chief Investigator for several major studies including the NIHR-funded COV-BOOST trial, which delivered world-leading research on the safety, immune responses and side-effects of booster vaccinations in mix and match schedules. “We are delighted he has been recognised with this honour today."

Researchers in Southampton have launched a new study of COVID-19 vaccine schedules in young people. Comparing different boosters and doses The Com-COV 3 study has been commissioned through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It aims to recruit 380 volunteers across nine NIHR-supported sites. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is one of these sites. All participants will have received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, at least three months before joining. Researchers will give a third vaccine dose as part of the study. They will be randomly allocated to receive either a full adult dose, one-third adult dose or full child dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, or a full dose of the Novavax vaccine. A control group will receive a meningitis vaccine (Bexsero, against MenB bacteria), followed by a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine later in the study. The study is single-blind and randomised. This means participants will not know what third dose vaccine they are receiving until three months later. Researchers will check for any side effects and analyse immune system responses to these new combinations of vaccines. They will also examine if a one-third adult dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is at least as good as a full child dose of the same vaccine. Taking part Professor Saul Faust, local trial lead and Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at UHS, said: “We’re looking for around 75 12 to 15 year olds living in the Southampton area to support us with the next phase of the Com-COV study. “The purpose of this study is to compare the immune responses of young people to different COVID-19 booster vaccines and doses, to help us find out the best way of further protecting them and their families from COVID-19. “Throughout the pandemic, we have been amazed by the response from the people of Southampton, who continue to step forward to support our trials. We cannot thank them enough for giving up their time to support such important research. “Initial results from this study, expected later in 2022, will allow us to understand how young people respond to a third booster dose and help inform the delivery of any future booster campaigns in this age group. “Anyone interested in taking part in this study or finding out more, can visit the study website comcovstudy.org.uk to check if they’re eligible.” The study investigators anticipate reporting initial results in 2022. The UK’s regulatory body, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) rigorously assess the safety and efficacy of any new vaccine before considering market authorisation and subsequent rollout to patients. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) provide expert guidance to UK health departments on vaccination. They take into account a range of evidence, including data from trials undertaken to understand the immunological impact of booster vaccinations. All those who are interested can register via the study website: comcovstudy.org.uk

A new study involving Southampton’s Dr Nisreen Alwan suggests vaccination could help people with Long Covid. There is evidence that shows people vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to get Long Covid. What is less clear is whether vaccination helps people who already have Long Covid. This study, published in The BMJ, showed COVID-19 vaccination after infection with the virus is associated with a reduced likelihood of Long Covid symptoms. Tracking Long Covid The latest survey by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that 44% of people who report Long Covid have had symptoms for at least one year. Two thirds of these report symptoms severe enough to limit their day-to-day activities. The researchers drew on ONS data for 28,356 adults aged 18-69 years who received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose after testing positive for the virus. They tracked Long Covid symptoms over a seven-month follow-up period, starting in February 2021. Almost a quarter of the participants (24%) reported symptoms of any severity at least once during this time. Less risk after vaccination They found a single vaccine dose was associated with an initial 13% decrease in the odds of Long Covid. It is unclear from the data whether this improvement was sustained over the following 12 weeks, until a second vaccine dose was given. A second dose was associated with a further 9% decrease. This improvement lasted, on average, for at least nine weeks. Similar results were also found when the focus was on Long Covid severe enough to result in limitation of day-to-day activities. Dr Alwan said: “Our study indicates evidence of sustained average improvement in Long Covid symptoms after the second dose of the COVID19 vaccine, but within a limited follow-up period. “Vaccination may help lessen Long Covid symptoms impacting on daily life in some individuals, but given the episodic nature of this illness longer follow-up is needed.” Due to the study’s observational design, causality cannot be inferred. The researchers also cannot rule out the possibility that other unmeasured factors, such as those related to take-up of a second vaccine dose, may have affected their results. However, the results were consistent after taking account of various factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, health related factors, vaccine type, or duration from infection to vaccination, suggesting that they withstand scrutiny.