University of Adelaide recruiting 200 volunteers for Covid vaccine boosting trial

Here’s your shot at a fourth Covid jab – but you’ll need to be fast to get into this Adelaide uni trial.

Adelaide researchers are offering Covid boosters to people who would not otherwise be eligible for the extra shot, as part of a study to determine the optimum vaccine schedule.

Youngsters aged 12 and over can receive a booster or third shot in the trial, whereas they would normally only be eligible at 16.

Adults aged 50 and over can receive a second booster or fourth shot in the trial, which is normally only available to those 65 and over unless there are pre-existing health conditions.

Anyone eligible but yet to receive a booster can also participate, to support the research effort.

Leading the study is South Australian of the Year, Professor Helen Marshall, who said anyone who is interested in receiving a booster shot even if they previously caught Covid are encouraged to come forward.

Professor Helen Marshall, with one of the volunteers for the Covid vaccine booster study. Picture Dean Martin

“Having the vaccination when you’ve already had the infection broadens your response, which may give cross protection against (other) variants,” she said.

“There’s clear evidence now that (having a booster) does reduce the chance of reinfection.”

The University of Adelaide team at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital is recruiting 250 volunteers for the “Platform Trial in Covid-19 Vaccine Boosting” known as PICOBOO.

Adelaide is one of three states involved in the study, which has $4.1m from the federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

Professor Marshall wants to determine the most effective, long-term strategy for Covid booster vaccinations.

She suspects people in high risk groups may need more frequent boosters, while healthy young people may only need a booster every couple of years.

And while it’s important to have the same brand of vaccine for the first two doses, there’s a question mark over whether the booster should be the same or different for further booster doses. A different brand might elicit a better immune response.

The study will look at the immune response over time, at six appointments over two years, as well as any side effects.

Flinders University student Tyler Manders, 22, of Parkside responded to an advertisement seeking volunteers. She is eligible for the study because she caught Covid in February before having her booster shot and then had to put it off for three months.

“It’s good to get the booster done,” he said.

Volunteers will be compensated for their transport, time and parking costs.

Email [e-mail] for more information and to register your interest.

Originally published as University of Adelaide recruiting 200 volunteers for Covid vaccine boosting trial