Volunteers needed for mpox vaccine study
14 March 2024
Volunteers across London are being asked to join a study looking at the effectiveness of an investigational vaccine for mpox, previously known as Monkeypox.
Volunteers across London are being asked to join a study looking at the effectiveness of an investigational vaccine for mpox, previously known as Monkeypox.
This important study, which is taking place at multiple sites across the UK, including the Clinical Research Facility at St Stephen’s Centre at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and sponsored by Moderna.
The study is taking place in London at:
- St Stephen’s Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH)
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
- Mile End Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust
Since 2022 there has been an increased transmission of mpox identified in the UK. Common symptoms of the mpox virus include a rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat. In the UK and Europe there is currently only one vaccine licensed for immunisation against mpox.
Dr Margherita Bracchi, principal investigator of the study at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We're very pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to take part in this study to our patients and local community. Mpox is still a global health risk so we need more vaccines to make sure we are ready for any potential spikes in infection rates. Volunteers are playing a vital role and we are very grateful to all who are coming forward.”