We will use patient health records stored in a large, secure NHS England database called OpenSAFELY, as well as test results recorded by the UK Health Security Agency.
We will work out the best methods for estimating vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common infection that can cause severe illness in infants and older adults. We will calculate vaccine effectiveness based on factors including age, ethnicity, and pre-existing conditions that affect the immune system.
We will investigate whether vaccine effectiveness wanes over time and, if so, when is best to administer vaccines in winter. We will study differences in vaccine uptake between different groups of people. We will collaborate with members of the public and health professionals to develop strategies for improving vaccination rates.
This research will deliver detailed estimates of vaccine effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in different groups of people. We will share findings with policy-makers to help plan future vaccination campaigns. We will develop approaches to improve the uptake of vaccines in different groups of people. Ultimately, this work will help the NHS to reduce the impact of illnesses caused by COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
Project aims
This project aims to assist the NHS in planning and delivering future vaccination campaigns.
What we hope to achieve: We want to understand how well vaccines work against respiratory viruses, both overall and in different groups of people. We also want to identify groups of people with low vaccination rates and develop strategies to boost vaccine uptake in these groups.
Lead researchers
- Jonathan Stern
- Sarah Denford Rajeka Lazaru
Partners
- UK Health Security Agency
- NHS England
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- HPRU V&I
- University of Oxford
