Trial call-out to test winter stomach bug vaccine

Seventy people are wanted take part in a global norovirus vaccine trial in Bristol

People over the age of 60 are being invited to test a vaccine that aims to protect them from norovirus.

The virus, a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is easily spreadable during winter and can affect people of all ages.

Southmead Hospital, in Bristol, is looking for 70 people to take part in a global norovirus vaccine trial.

North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said more vulnerable groups with norovirus "are more likely to need medical support or higher levels of care".

The vaccine will be tested on around 25,000 adults, mostly over-60s, in more than six countries around the world over the next two years as part of the trial.

If successful, the researchers say it would reduce the number of vulnerable adults in hospital during winter, as well as the financial burden on health systems like the NHS.

Sarah Wheatley said norovirus can "spread very easily"

The virus can affect people of all ages and can close hospital wards, and have a serious impact on care homes and schools.

Meanwhile the UKHSA said this week it is now beginning to see cases of flu and norovirus rising as we approach winter.

Professor Tim Whittlestone, chief medical officer at the trust, said: “As an innovative forward-thinking trust, we’re proud to be involved in this global trial.

"It will see if the vaccine that is being studied may be able to protect people 18 years of age or older against the symptoms caused by the norovirus stomach bug."

Sarah Wheatley, head of infection control and tissue viability at the trust, said: “The winter vomiting bug, norovirus, spreads very easily from person to person, via close contact with a contaminated person, especially in settings like care homes, hospitals and schools.

"We are lucky that we benefit from side rooms on our wards, so this does help to limit the risk of infections like norovirus spreading.

"While most people recover well in a few days, more vulnerable groups are more likely to need medical support or higher levels of care.”