HRH The Duke of Cambridge visits The Jenner Institute, Oxford University

HRH visited the Oxford Vaccine Group, based at the Churchill Hospital, to see and hear about the work being done there to develop a vaccine for coronavirus.  Met at Oxford Airport by Tim Stevenson, HRH spent some time talking to scientists and volunteers taking part in the trial.

The Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group began work on a vaccine in January and signed a deal with AstraZeneca in June who will help to manufacture 300 million doses of the vaccine when it is ready, which will be available globally.  Hosted by Professor Andrew Pollard, Director of the Vaccine Group, HRH had the opportunity to talk to Professor Sarah Gilbert who is leading the trial of the vaccine.  Wearing a mask, protective coat and goggles, HRH toured the laboratory and was shown where samples from the trial are being examined by researchers.   

The vaccine has passed Phase 1 of development, meaning it is safe to use and recruitment of 10,000 volunteers began in May.  The researchers hope to have a wide selection of volunteers to trial the vaccine, from children aged 5 – 12, to adults over 56.   

The day before his visit, HRH had spoken to AstraZeneca’s Chief Executive Pascal Soriot, officials from Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and international vaccine alliance Gavi via video call.