A biobank will be established at the Doherty Institute thanks to $5 million from the Victorian Government, enabling scientists to understand better the immune response and long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Victorian COVID-19 Vaccinees Collection – or VC2 will collect samples from participants before and after they are vaccinated. University of Melbourne Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Doherty Institute, said creating a vaccine biobank is vital to centralizing and coordinating Victorian coronavirus research knowledge and resources.
Through a coordinated strategy involving Austin Health, Monash Health, and Western Health vaccination hubs, plus The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, The Alfred hospital, and Emeritus Research, the VC2 will approach diverse Victorians to donate samples both before and for up to two years after they are vaccinated.
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