Bristolians wanted for Oxford University’s paid Covid-19 vaccine trial

People living in Bristol are being asked to take part in the UK’s coronavirus vaccine trial.

Residents in certain parts of the city are being asked to apply for the trial, which is being spearheaded by scientists at the University of Oxford.

Bristol is one of only three cities where participants are being recruited, as well as London and Southampton.

The trial to find a potential Covid-19 inoculation is the first in the UK to involve human participants - with Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested “rapid progress” has already been made in the search for a vaccine.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the UK Government will throw everything at trying to find a vaccine. Credit: PA

Who can take part?

To take part, you must live in the BS1 to BS6 or BS8 areas of Bristol.

You must be healthy, aged 18-55, and not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Volunteers must not have tested positive for Covid-19 or taken part in a previous trial with an adenovirus or coronavirus vaccine.

What does it entail?

Participants will be required to take part in four to 12 hospital visits over a six-month period, with an optional extra visit one year after vaccination.

If you participate in the study until the end, you will be paid £235.

Participants will be paid £235 for completing the trial. Credit: PA

Some 1,112 volunteers will be recruited across the UK, 561 of whom will be given the candidate vaccine and up to 551 a control vaccine.

Volunteers may feel like they have flu-like symptoms within 24 hours of the vaccinations, which usually resolve within 48 hours, the website says.

Participation is voluntary and people are free to change their mind and withdraw at any time.

Anyone looking to take part can find out how to apply here.

For the latest updates on coronavirus in the West Country, including case numbers, event cancellations and venue closures, click here.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know