UK's first ever norovirus vaccine trial opens at Bournemouth Research Hub 

People aged 60 and over, and living in Hampshire and Dorset, are invited to participate in an innovative norovirus vaccine trial.

There are currently no approved vaccines for norovirus, and this is the first such trial in the UK.

Moderna’s NOVA Trial will evaluate the safety and immune response of an investigational vaccine aimed at preventing norovirus and its serious symptoms.

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting disease, causes gastroenteritis and is highly infectious. The virus is easily transmitted through contact with infected individuals from one person to another.

Outbreaks are common in semi-enclosed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships and can also occur in restaurants and hotels. The virus is usually mild and lasts for 1 to 2 days. Symptoms include vomiting, projectile vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. Most people make a full recovery within a couple of days but it can be dangerous for the very young and elderly people.

Doctor Patrick Moore, co-director of Wessex Research Hubs and Chief Investigator of the trial in the UK, said:“We are really pleased to be able to play an important role in helping find an effective vaccine against this highly contagious disease. Outbreaks of norovirus have huge consequences, both on our health systems and our economy. If you’re interested in helping us advance healthcare, please do come forward to take part in this innovative trial.”

One of the first patient participants for the trial, Dennis, with senior research nurse, Debbie Branney 

Dennis, from Bournemouth, is one of the trial's first participants. He said: "I think it's important to give something back to the NHS after looking after me for all these years. At 77, I'm fairly fit and healthy, but if I did get norovirus and there was nothing there to help me, I'd be really worried. Anything that can help with this trial, I'm more than happy to do."

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."

"The development of a vaccine offers a promising path to reducing these disruptions and safeguarding patient health. I am proud that our Bournemouth Research Hub is playing a key role in this vital initiative, and I encourage everyone to consider participating in this important trial to help us make a real difference."

Trial participants must be:

• Aged 60 years and over
• In good health

The trial lasts approximately one year and includes at least 6 in-person visits to the clinical trial site.

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 1 year and includes at least 6 in-person visits to a clinical trial site and 5 phone calls with the trial team.

Wessex Research Hubs is running the trial at three sites in the region; Bournemouth, Portsmouth, and Weymouth.