On Nov. 9, 2020, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center announced the start of volunteer enrollment for a COVID-19 vaccine trial. The phase 3 study examined whether AstraZeneca’s AZD1222 vaccine can protect against COVID-19 and also prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease.

The AZD1222 vaccine study was conducted by the Vaccine Trials Unit (VTU), a program of Fred Hutch. Visits will occur at Fred Hutch’s main campus and a satellite location in Federal Way. The VTU hoped to enroll 500 volunteers who are at risk for COVID-19 and may be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.