Bicester mum defends her children as they volunteer for vaccine trial

Becki Davidson’s children, 14-year-old Lily-Mae and 17-year-old Lochlann are among 300 volunteers who have enrolled on the scheme.

The mother-of-three, from Launton, near Bicester, stumbled across a post on Facebook calling for participants.

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Lochlann decided to sign up and was accepted. Then Ms Davidson put Lily-Mae forward – with the girl then also contacted and invited to take park.

Of the volunteers, 240 will get the real vaccine, while the other 60 will be given a control meningitis jab. The trial is to assess whether the vaccine can produce a strong immune response in children aged between six to 17.

Lochlann and Lily-Mae had their first jab on Wednesday at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.

The pair want to do their bit. Picture: Ed Nix

Their 43-year-old mum said: “It was even more well organised than I thought it would be. There were lots of videos and lots of information.

“They told us the side effects and I felt really informed and the kids felt they could change their minds. It was really nice.”

Ms Davidson said anther reason why the study is being held is to see whether the side effects are worse or less for children and whether the spacing of the two jabs for children should be different.

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The mum says she has received messages from people who disagree with her children’s decision, but she is not concerned.

She added: “I think it is important that children are vaccinated, not necessarily for their own protection as I know the risks to children are low, but to help stop transmission to more vulnerable members of society.

“The most frustrating thing is being told that you need to inform yourself of all the facts, when I already have. I believe in science - I trust it. I really don’t believe in those conspiracies going around . Everyone’s got the Internet and can do their research.”

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Lily-Mae and Lochlann will have their blood taken five times over the year to see how their antibodies develop and will return for their second jab at different times; Lily-Mae will get her’s in a month while Lochlann will receive his in May.

The siblings have a log book to record over the next 28 days whether they experience any swelling on their arm or other side effects. They also have a thermometer and a sticker stamp to help them track the different stages they’ve gone through in the process.

Ms Davidson said her son Lochlann saw the benefits in getting the vaccine and was keen to take part in the trial, while her daughter Lily-Mae enjoys science and is excited to be participating.

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