You could earn £600 as a vaccine testing volunteer - here’s how to apply
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Researchers across the globe are tirelessly working to develop a vaccine for coronavirus, with several drugs already being tested in humans.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn the UK, a trial is being led by the Imperial College NHS Trust, and scientists are calling for volunteers to take part. You could earn up to £625 doing so.
What does the trial involve?
The trial will take place at four locations across the UK, in Bristol, Thames Valley, Southampton, and London.
The purpose of the study is to test a new vaccine in healthy volunteers, assessing whether it can protect them from coronavirus.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe trial will also help to give scientists valuable insight on the safety aspects of the vaccine, and its ability to generate good immune responses against the virus. This will be done by randomly selecting volunteers to receive the vaccine, or a control injection.
Blood samples will also be taken from participants, so that scientists can collect information about any symptoms that may occur after vaccination.
How long will the trial last?
The trial will last for a period of six months.
During this time, volunteers will be required to visit a clinic between four and 12 times, depending on which group they are in.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHow many volunteers are needed?
The researchers are looking to recruit 1,112 volunteers for the trial.
Of these participants, 561 will be vaccinated with the candidate coronavirus vaccine, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and 551 will be vaccinated with a control vaccine.
Will there be any side effects?
The trial could mark a positive step forward in the development of a global vaccine for coronavirus, but researchers warn there could be some risks involved to those who take part.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCommon side effects include some mild redness and swelling at the injection site, and you could experience flu-like symptoms within 24 hours of the vaccination.
These usually resolve within 48 hours.
How much will I get paid?
Depending on the area you live in, and which vaccine centre study you participate in, you will be paid between £190 and £625 for taking part.
This payment will serve as reimbursement for your time, travel and contribution to the trial.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWho is eligible?
To be eligible to take part in the trial, you must meet the following criteria:
You must:
- Be aged 18 to 55 years old
- Be in good health
- Be based in the trial catchment area
You must not:
- Have tested positive for Covid-19
- Be pregnant, intending to become pregnant, or breastfeeding during the study
- Have previously taken part in a trial with an adenoviral vaccine or received any other coronavirus vaccines
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHow do I apply?
If you are interested in taking part in the trial, you can apply to volunteer online.
#HealthHeroes
Show your support for the incredible work being done by those working on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis. Join our Facebook group and follow the dedicated Instagram page to read stories of everyday heroism and share your own messages.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this website, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.
Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.
Thank you, and stay safe.