A world-first trial out of the University of Sunshine Coast could be a new generation COVID-19 vaccine.

It’s hoped the new vaccine could be used as a booster shot to adults already double-dosed.

The University of Sunshine Coast clinical trials of the virus-like particle vaccine, produced by an American company, will be the first in the world.

Dr Rob Scott is USC clinical trial’s principal investigator and explained the technology is fundamentally different.

“It’s called a virus-like particle, so it’s basically like proteins when mixed together bind together to a three-dimensional structure that stimulate the immune system, there’s really no other COVID vaccine like this.

“There is some precedence for this type of technology in the past, the Gardasil vaccine developed here in Queensland.

“It represents a fantastic opportunity for our community to participate in some exciting new research.”

He said people respond differently to different vaccines, and it’s likely we will need “more than one horse in the race” to combat the virus.

The trial is specifically looking at being used on adults who have already been vaccinated, as a booster shot.

Press PLAY to hear more about the trials

Image: Getty