LONDON -- Britain will be the first country to run final stage trials of an experimental coronavirus vaccine being developed by pharmaceutical company Janssen, which is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
Scientists will begin recruiting some 6,000 people across the U.K. on Monday for the 12-month trial.
Dr. Saul Faust is helping lead the study, and he says the research will start first in Britain but aims to recruit a total of 30,000 people in six countries around the world.
The shot uses a harmless cold virus to deliver the spike protein of the coronavirus into the body, which scientists hope will prompt an immune response.
Faust says the news from Pfizer and BioNTech last week that their vaccine appears to be 90% effective is a welcome boost for their research.
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COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.