Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Researchers urge BAME groups and elderly people to sign up for vaccine trials

UK researchers have urged elderly people and volunteers from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to sign up to a Covid-19 vaccine trial registry to boost efforts to find a working vaccine.

Government officials said on Monday (17) that over 100,000 people registered to take part in trials, adding that "a diverse pool of volunteers" was vital to analyse the effectiveness of candidate vaccines.


"Scientists and researchers are working day and night to find a vaccine that meets the UK’s rigorous regulatory and safety standards, but they need hundreds of thousands of people of all backgrounds and ages to sign-up for studies to speed up this vital research," said Business Secretary Alok Sharma.

"I urge everyone to play our part in the fight against coronavirus and join the 100,000 people who have already registered, so we can help save and protect millions of lives."

Kate Bingham, chair of the UK Vaccines Taskforce, stressed that protecting people at risk was “the only way we will end this pandemic".

"That's why we are working as quickly as possible to run clinical studies on the most promising vaccines to see whether they offer protection against Covid-19," she added.

"Getting 100,000 volunteers on board is a great start but we need many more people from many different backgrounds that we can call on for future studies if we are to find a vaccine quickly to protect those who need it against coronavirus."

The government said it was "particularly" encouraging people over 65, health and care workers and people from BAME backgrounds to sign up for the trials via the online registry service.

A targeted recruitment programme broadcast in Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali and Urdu was among the measures being deployed to reach out to different communities.

Recent studies had shown that minority ethnic groups were two to three times more likely to have had Covid-19 compared with white people in England. Researchers had flagged disproportionate numbers of people from minority groups dying from the disease.

Consultant respiratory physician and director of the National Institute for Health Research patient recruitment centre, Bradford, Dinesh Saralaya said "efficient vaccines which are likely to protect all sections of our society from this dreadful virus" can be produced only "by working together".

"Several vaccine trials are being conducted around the UK in the coming months, and it is important that we all sign up to be contacted about them," he said, adding that arrangements for appointments were being set up in public places close to where people live and work rather than in hospitals.

"I would like to reassure people that research trials and studies are strictly regulated for ethics and safety."

Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer of England, said "the more people who volunteer to take part the more likely we find an answer to whether any vaccine is effective".

"Having 100,000 volunteers in just four weeks shows the selflessness of the public," he added.

Marium Zumeer, 18, from Bradford, who was one among volunteers who had taken part in earlier clinical trials, urged people to "do their bit in helping us all in the fight against coronavirus".

While in intensive care due to Covid-19, she took part in the national recovery trial, which involved testing a range of potential treatments, including the use of dexamethasone that was found to be the first drug to be effective in treating critically ill patients.

"I will always be grateful for being encouraged to sign up," said Zumeer. “I remember my dad at the time urging me to take part, not just for myself but for the wider community."

More For You

Chef Sultan Al‑Mahmood Reveals Stress‑Free Cooking Tips

Chef Sultan Al-Mahmood from the Grande Restaurant in London

Instagram/ thegrande_stratford

MasterChef Sultan Al-Mahmood shares expert tips for stress-free cooking

It may be an essential life skill, but for many, cooking at home can feel intimidating – especially for beginners.

With the cost-of-living crisis, more people are choosing to prepare their own meals and experiment with dishes in their kitchens. Others, inspired by restaurant dishes, social media trends and the rise in home cooking during Covid-19, are now looking to improve their own culinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less
How menopause makes south Asian women more vulnerable to diabetes

As we mark Diabetes Awareness Week (10–16 June), it’s time to shine a light on how disproportionately it affects south Asian women

iStock

Menopause & Diabetes Risk

Kiran Singh

We often talk about diabetes and menopause as two separate issues. But for many South Asian women in midlife, they collide quietly, invisibly, and with lasting impact.

As we mark Diabetes Awareness Week (10–16 June), it’s time to shine a light on this hidden overlap - and how it disproportionately affects women in our community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dubai Chocolate Craze Triggers Allergy Alert in UK : FSA

The treat first gained popularity in 2021

iStock

Dubai chocolate craze raises allergy concerns, warns FSA

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning over the safety of certain pistachio-filled chocolate bars known as “Dubai chocolate”, amid growing popularity in the UK. The agency says some rogue imports could pose health risks, especially to those with allergies.

Allergen risk from mislabelled imports

Although many of the products being sold are safe, the FSA has found several chocolate bars that lack proper ingredient labelling or include potentially dangerous additives. The agency said some of these products do not comply with UK food safety standards and may not clearly highlight allergens, which is a legal requirement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why Friday the 13th Is Feared as an Unlucky Day

A 1993 study in the UK suggested a curious correlation

iStock

Why Friday the 13th is seen as an unlucky day

The date Friday the 13th has long been linked to misfortune. Whether you are superstitious or not, it is a date that stands out, referenced in films, books, songs and urban legends alike. But where did this association with bad luck begin, and does it really deserve its eerie reputation?

Biblical roots of the superstition

The origins of the Friday the 13th superstition are widely believed to stem from Christian tradition. According to Biblical accounts, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, the day he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was also the 13th guest at the Last Supper. This combination of the number 13 and the day Friday laid the groundwork for its ominous legacy.

Keep ReadingShow less
gym buddy

Partner training is motivating

Instagram/ flexandfuel_official

How a gym buddy can transform your fitness journey

Nes & Jay

If you have ever struggled to drag yourself to the gym after a long day at work – or if your motivation tends to dip midworkout – you are not alone. The simple solution to this all-too-common problem is a gym buddy.

A workout partner, or even a small gym crew, can be a game-changer for any fitness journey. Whether you are a regular gym-goer or just starting out, pairing up with someone can improve consistency, boost motivation and make exercise more enjoyable.

Keep ReadingShow less