Virus Watch was a research study of COVID-19 run by the University College London in conjunction with the NHS. Since the study began in June 2020, almost 60,000 people have contributed to the study via our weekly and monthly surveys, and laboratory testing of immunity.
This household study aimed to identify how the virus spreads in our community and how to stop it. We were interested in assessing our immune response to the virus and to the vaccine and how this protects us from future infection. Another important aspect to our work was examining inequalities that people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people from low socioeconomic circumstances experienced during the pandemic.
The results have been, and will continue to be vital in informing government planning, Public Health and NHS responses to COVID-19 as well as planning for future pandemics.
The Virus Watch study has now ended as of April 2025. We would like to extend our gratitude to all study participants from England and Wales for their time and commitment in helping us to understand COVID-19 and how best to respond to it.
THANK YOU!
UCL VIRUS WATCH TEAM