Coronavirus vaccine efforts aim to push back cases of the disease by encouraging nationwide immunity, with an ultimate aim to release the public from restrictive social distancing measures. Speaking in today’s daily Downing Street press conference, Matt Hancock revealed how soon scientists in the UK expect to embark on their first trials. 

When will Oxford vaccine trial start?

Oxford University is one of two universities conducting “leading” developments on a COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, Matt Hancock announced today. 

Mr Hancock has provided the team and additional £20 million in funds, and announced the first human trials would begin this Thursday. 

He said the trial has made speedy process, as experts have arrived at a stage normally not possible until two years into development. 

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The Health Secretary said he hopes the vaccine could later be rolled out as “soon as humanly possible”. 

Work on the Oxford University vaccine, developed by the Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group, began in January.

The next stage of development requires a total of 510 volunteers to take part, with an age range between 18 and 55. 

The university began seeking volunteers at the end of March, and has already amassed the required number, according to TechCrunch. 

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