RESIDENTS are being invited to take part in the UK’s first ever norovirus vaccine trial in Bournemouth.

Participants who take part in the trial must be aged 60 and over and in good health.

Moderna’s NOVA Trial lasts approximately one year and includes at least six in-person visits to the clinical trial site at Bournemouth Research Hub at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Participants receive one injection in the upper arm and are assigned to receive either the investigational vaccine or a placebo.

A placebo contains no active ingredients and is used as a comparison to understand whether the investigational vaccine works and is safe Participants will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.

Participation in the NOVA Trial will last approximately one year and includes at least six in-person visits to a clinical trial site and five phone calls with the trial team.

Sarah Herbert, Chief Nursing Officer at UHD, said: “From my experience, norovirus outbreaks can cause significant disruption in hospitals, leading to ward closures and affecting both staff and patients, especially those who are most vulnerable.

"As an example, between October 2023 and October 2024, 231 beds across UHD were occupied by patients with norovirus."

For more details on how to take part, visit wessexresearch.nhs.uk.