Oxford: (RightNow) Oxford University has announced the start of human trials for a new Ebola vaccine. The virus is causing severe devastation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

University scientists will assess the safety and immune response of the vaccine on 50 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 in the UK.

The vaccine, named ChAdOx1 BDBV, is developed using the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine technology. It can be made available within weeks if needed.

In anticipation of potential emergency use, 620,000 doses have already been stockpiled. An additional 4,000 investigational doses have also been provided.

It is important to note that the Ebola virus has claimed many lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This new vaccine aims to prevent the spread of the virus.