Research volunteer marks 60th birthday by taking part in UK bird flu vaccine trial

Sarah, who works in the agricultural industry, travelled to the Weymouth Research Hub on her birthday to take part in a nationally significant bird flu vaccine trial, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The trial, known as Odyssey 301, is testing an investigational mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna against avian influenza (H5N1), a virus with known pandemic potential. While the current risk to humans remains low, scientists warn the virus continues to evolve and could adapt to spread more easily between people.

More than 4,000 volunteers are expected to take part across the UK and the United States, with three quarters of participants recruited in the UK. The study is focused on community based research sites, including GP surgeries and local centres such as Weymouth Research Hub.

Sarah said taking part felt like a meaningful way to celebrate a big birthday.

“Like any milestone birthday, turning 60 makes you pause and think about wider issues,” she said. “Because I work in agriculture, I’m very aware of the importance of research into bird flu and pandemic preparedness. When I heard about this study, I felt it was important to do my bit. If taking part in research like this can contribute to future scientific understanding, then this is a birthday I’ll always remember.”

The trial forms part of the UK’s wider efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness, building on lessons learned from COVID-19.

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive of the NIHR and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care, has described the study as a vital step in ensuring the country is ready for future pandemics, even while the current risk remains low.

The Weymouth Research Hub is part of the NIHR Wessex Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), which is supporting delivery of the study across the region.

Patrick Moore, Director of NIHR Wessex CRDC, said the decision by local volunteers to take part in Weymouth, Bournemouth and Southampton shows the important role communities play in nationally significant research.

“This trial is of genuine national and global importance, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without volunteers like Sarah,” he said. “By choosing to take part on her 60th birthday, Sarah has made a powerful public-spirited statement about the role individuals can play in protecting future generations. Weymouth is rightly proud to be contributing to research that helps strengthen the UK’s readiness for future health threats.”

Researchers will assess the safety of the vaccine and how well it triggers an immune response against current and emerging strains of avian influenza. Findings from the study will help inform future pandemic preparedness research