The EPA performs a number of studies and clinical trials; these could be organised by one of the three acute trusts that EPA serves. Clinical trials take many forms, from large scale testing to small specific testing protocols.

SIREN study (Covid-19)

Healthcare workers have played a very important part in getting life back to normal. The EPA has been taking part in the SIREN study, (SARS-CoV2 Immunity and Reinfection Evaluation) one of the largest Covid studies with over 44,500 recruits from 135 sites across the UK. The results of the study have been used to ease the national lockdown.

SIREN seeks to answer one of the biggest questions:

Does infection with Covid-19 protect you from the virus in the future?

Just as the answer “yes” came in, the vaccine rollout began and the information was quickly updated to include participants’ vaccination status. In February 2021 a report showed that Healthcare workers were 72% less likely to become infected with Covid-19 following the first dose of vaccine. The first dose was found to be effective two weeks after administration. After the second dose Healthcare workers were 86% less likely to become infected with Covid-19.

The study found vaccination also helps to reduce the spread of infection, if you’re not infected you can’t spread infection. The study informed the important answer to the question “Will the vaccines be the main driver to get us out of lockdown”?

The answer was Yes!