PREVENTING PNEUMOcoccal disease through vaccination: PREVENTING PNEUMO 2
Pneumonia is a chest infection often caused by bacteria called pneumococcus. In the UK, two vaccines are used to protect young children, older adults, and vulnerable people. However, some types of these bacteria can still cause illness, and scientists need to understand why. This trial at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine explores how each vaccine works against specific bacterial strains. Healthy volunteers aged 18 to 50 will receive one of two licensed vaccines or a saltwater injection. Later, researchers place a harmless, tiny drop of bacteria into the volunteer's nose to see how their immune system responds. Taking part involves around 15 visits over eight months. The team closely monitors all volunteers, providing 24-hour medical support. The findings will help doctors create better protection against dangerous respiratory illnesses.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Pneumonia is a common and sometimes dangerous lung infection. A bacterium known as pneumococcus is one of the leading causes. Currently in the UK, the NHS offers two different jabs: one usually given to babies (Prevenar 13) and one given to adults aged 65 and over (Pneumovax 23). While both vaccines save lives, certain types of these bacteria still manage to make people sick. Researchers are carrying out this study to find out why this happens and how our bodies defend against them.
In this study, scientists want to see how well each vaccine prevents the bacteria from living quietly in the nose. When bacteria settle in the nose, they can spread to the lungs or pass to other people. By learning how vaccines block this step, researchers hope to design newer and better jabs that offer longer, stronger protection for everyone.
To test this safely, researchers use a method called a human challenge model. After volunteers receive a vaccine or a dummy injection, researchers place a small, carefully measured drop of living bacteria into the nose. This lets doctors watch the immune system in action under controlled, safe conditions. This method has already been used safely in more than 1,500 healthy volunteers.
Key takeaways
- Tests two licensed pneumonia vaccines against a saltwater dummy injection in healthy adults.
- Aims to understand how vaccines stop bacteria from settling in the nose.
- Requires around 15 clinic visits over eight months at the Liverpool clinic.
- Uses a well-tested safety model with 24/7 medical support for all participants.
- Helps scientists design better future vaccines to prevent severe lung disease.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is open to healthy men and women aged 18 to 50 who speak fluent English and can give informed consent. If you can become pregnant, you must take a pregnancy test and agree to use reliable contraception during the trial.
You cannot take part if you have ongoing health issues, such as asthma that needs regular medicine, diabetes, heart conditions, or immune system problems. People who take medicines affecting the immune system (like steroids), those who recently took antibiotics, and smokers (or recent quitters) are also excluded.
Safety is the top priority. Because volunteers receive bacteria in their nose, you cannot join if you live or work closely with vulnerable people, such as children under five or people with weakened immune systems. You are also not eligible if you have had a pneumonia jab in the past or are allergic to penicillin.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged between 18 and 50 years old.
- I am in good general health with no long-term illnesses (like asthma or diabetes).
- I have not had a pneumonia vaccine before.
- I do not smoke and am not allergic to penicillin.
- I do not live or work with young children (under 5) or people with weak immune systems.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study lasts about eight months and involves around 15 visits to the clinic in Liverpool. At your first visits, the team will check your overall health and take routine samples to confirm you are safe to join.
You will receive a single injection in your upper arm. A computer randomly chooses whether you receive one of the two pneumonia vaccines or a harmless saltwater (saline) jab. Neither you nor the doctors can pick which one you get. Later in the study, a small drop of bacteria will be placed gently into your nose.
Across your visits, staff will take blood samples, throat swabs, nasal washes (using a little salty water), and urine samples to see how your body responds. You will be given a safety pack and have access to a 24-hour phone line to reach the research doctors and nurses whenever you need.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineApproximateLiverpool, England
Common questions
Is it safe to have bacteria put into my nose?
Yes. This technique has been tested safely in over 1,500 healthy volunteers. Doctors use small, carefully controlled amounts of bacteria and provide 24/7 medical contact.
What is the saline injection?
Saline is a harmless saltwater liquid. It acts as a control (a 'dummy' jab) so researchers can fairly compare results against the real vaccines.
Will the study vaccines give me pneumonia?
No. The vaccines do not contain live bacteria and cannot cause pneumonia. Common side effects are mild, such as soreness in the arm or feeling slightly tired for a day or two.
What if I feel unwell during the trial?
You will have a 24-hour phone number to call the research team at any time. Doctors will check on you quickly and can provide treatment if required.
Can I leave the study early if I change my mind?
Yes. You can leave the study at any point without needing to give an explanation, and your normal NHS care will never be affected.
How to find out more
Kelly Davies
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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