Volunteers in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan are needed to take part in a research study that is looking at how effective it is to give a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccine.

Public Health Wales is recruiting over 18s who have had their first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine – and who have received an appointment for their second dose at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s Bayside Mass Vaccination Centre – to take part in this research study.

The Combining Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination (ComFluCOV) Study, which is being run by the Bristol Trials Centre, sponsored and led by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), is currently taking place at 11 sites across the UK.

Dr Andrew Carson-Stevens, Principal Investigator for the ComFluCOV Study and Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Lead for Primary Care, said:

“We still don’t know how long the approved COVID-19 vaccines will provide protection for and there’s a possibility that further boosters may be needed. We’ll also need to continue with the seasonal flu vaccination schedule, so that’s why we’re looking to see whether people could receive both vaccinations at the same appointment.

“This study will monitor whether people get any side effects, such as fever and tiredness, when they’re given their second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the currently recommended flu vaccine. We’ll also look at people’s immune responses to both vaccines when given together.

“This is an opportunity to take part in research while still receiving your second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. By taking part in this study, you’ll be able to help us answer questions about how we continue to protect people against COVID-19 and seasonal flu in a safe and effective way.”

Each participant will receive the second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Participants who are eligible to take part will receive the second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and will be allocated into one of two groups:

One group will receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at their first visit, then a saline injection (placebo) at their second visit
The other group will receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and a saline injection (placebo) at their first visit and then the flu vaccine at their second visit

Did you know you can help with research at the same time as having your second dose?

Are you over 18?
Have you received your first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?
Do you have an appointment for your second Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?
Is your appointment at the Bayside Mass Vaccination Centre?

To find out more about taking part, please visit: https://comflucov.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/participate-bayside-mass-vaccination-centre/