Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s Research and Innovation team are looking for volunteer families with healthy babies aged 0 – 12 months to take part in respiratory virus study looking into the leading cause of infant hospitalisation.
The team are taking part in the groundbreaking HARMONIE study into vaccination for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), together with other NHS research teams across East Lancashire, East Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in infants worldwide and affects 90% of children before the age of two. It is estimated that amongst children in the UK, RSV accounts for about 450,000 GP consultations, 29,000 hospitalisations and around 80 deaths per year, the majority occurring in babies.
In recent months, there has been a resurgence of RSV following the easing of COVID-19 public health measures, including in Stockport, where several babies with RSV are currently on our Treehouse children’s unit.
The study is evaluating the efficacy of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody immunisation, in protecting against one of the leading causes of infant hospitalisation worldwide. This vaccine is now licensed, and available for any healthy baby from birth to 12 months.
RSV often causes only mild illnesses, like a cold. However, for some babies, it leads to more severe lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Taking part in the study is safe and simple, can be done in just one visit, and will help in tackling RSV.
To take part just contact the research team on 0161 419 5893, or find out more at https://rsvharmoniestudy.com/en-gb