Hospital researchers are calling for volunteers to test a pioneering vaccine against the 'winter vomiting bug' norovirus.

Norovirus is one of the most common causes of stomach bugs in the UK and is notorious for the speed with which it spreads in care homes and hospitals, where it can put the lives of elderly or vulnerable patients at risk. 

Aside from throwing up and experiencing diarrhoea, symptoms include a high temperature, headache and aching arms and legs.

Now researchers at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead are recruiting people for a worldwide clinical trial to see if an investigational vaccine may be able to protect adults against the symptoms

People who want to take part must be 18 or over, in good health, and should not currently have a chronic gastrointestinal diseases including irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, oesophageal reflux, or any other medical condition with regular vomiting or diarrhoea.

During the trial, participants will receive either the investigational vaccine or a placebo jab. The trial will last for up to 25 months, and participants must be willing to attend up to seven scheduled clinic visits over that time.

Participants will also be reimbursed for their time and expenses.

Fiona Burns, professor of epidemilogy at the RFH, said: “Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person, via food or contaminated surfaces, so once it takes hold, it can be very difficult to get rid of, especially in settings like care homes, hospitals and schools.

"While most people recover well in a few days, more vulnerable groups are more likely to need medical support or higher levels of care.”

Anyone interested in participating can contact the Royal Free vaccine research team on rf.vaccination@nhs.net or call on 020 73177679.