Transplant recipients invited to take part in new COVID-19 antibody study

Posted on: 18th January 2022

If you have had a transplant, you’re aged 18 or over and have had (or are about to have) your third COVID-19 vaccine, you might like to consider taking part in a new study called the ‘Melody’ study.

What is the study about?

The national study will:

  1. Assess antibody responses after three COVID-19 vaccine doses in 36,000 immunocompromised people using a finger prick test that will be sent to your home.
  2. Investigate the correlation between antibodies after vaccination and the risk of infection over six months.
  3. Investigate what factors what factors are associated with immunocompromised people who don’t have an antibody response after vaccination eg, the type of medication you take. This will be determined by completing an online questionnaire with your antibody test results.

Why is the study needed?

We don’t know yet if having antibodies gives someone who is immunosuppressed long-lasting protection from the virus. The results of this study may help assess the impact of the vaccines on the level of antibody response to COVID-19 across the UK and help guide public health policy towards vulnerable groups.

How can I take part?

You will need your NHS/CHI number.

Step 1

Step 2

  • Antibody kit will be delivered to your house
  • You perform the antibody test

Step 3

  • Upload your results to the study portal
  • Answer a questionnaire about COVID-19

Who is running the study?

The study is being run by NHS Blood and Transplant, NHS Digital, and Ipsos MORI along with UK universities and charities.

To find out more about the study, you can read this patient information sheet PDF, go to: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/research-and-impact/groups/melody-study/ or call freephone 0800 819 9150.