This undated photo issued by the University of Oxford shows of vial of coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, in Oxford, England. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday Nov. 23, 2020, that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective, giving public health officials hope they may soon have access to a vaccine that is cheaper and easier to distribute than some of its rivals. (University of Oxford/John Cairns via AP)
This undated photo issued by the University of Oxford shows of vial of coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, in Oxford, England. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday Nov. 23, 2020, that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective, giving public health officials hope they may soon have access to a vaccine that is cheaper and easier to distribute than some of its rivals. (University of Oxford/John Cairns via AP) Credit: John Cairns

Peter Somssich is participating in trials for a COVID-19 vaccine and is encouraging others to do the same.

A Democratic state representative from Portsmouth, Somssich received either the vaccine or a placebo last week and has committed to follow-up visits for the next two years. He reports no side effects, other than soreness at the injection site, is paid $100 for every visit and said, most importantly, the effort will help to find a way to stop the virus from spreading throughout the world.

“There’s not much I can do about coronavirus, but I can help with the trials,” Somssich said. “I’m letting all my friends know. It’s convenient because it’s nearby and for people in this area, it’s something they can do to help.”

The trials Somssich is participating in are testing effectiveness of the AZD1222COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. The trials are being conducted by ActivMed, a clinical research center at 110 Corporate Drive at Pease International Tradeport. It’s one of three vaccines in late-stage trials being developed through the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed.

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