Crime & Safety
Oxford University’s new rabies vaccine could save lives
Developed by researchers at the University of Oxford, the new vaccine ChAdOx2 RabG has shown promising results in a clinical trial in Tanzania, offering stronger and longer-lasting protection in both adults and children compared to currently available options.
Rabies causes an estimated 59,000 deaths each year, mainly in Africa and Asia, with children at highest risk.
Most existing vaccines require multiple clinic visits, making them difficult to deliver in low-resource settings.
Professor Sandy Douglas of the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, who developed the vaccine and is the study’s senior author, said: “Rabies is entirely preventable, yet it still causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, mostly among children.
“Our findings suggest that a single-dose vaccine could offer a practical and affordable way to protect vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and low-resource settings.”
The trial involved 63 adults and 111 children aged two to six, who were given either the new vaccine or a licensed rabies vaccine for comparison.
In adults, the new vaccine generated antibody levels around five times higher than those seen with a single dose of existing vaccines after one year.
In children, it produced levels more than eight times higher.
It also outperformed the World Health Organisation’s recommended two-dose regimen in children.
Nearly all children given the new vaccine maintained protective antibody levels one year post-vaccination.
Dr Adam Ritchie, first author of the study and senior vaccinologist at the Jenner Institute, said: “If these results are confirmed in larger trials, this vaccine could be a game changer for rabies prevention.
“In a world where wealthy travellers can be vaccinated but children living in the same high-risk regions rarely are, it has the potential to simplify vaccination, reduce costs, and ultimately save lives.”
The vaccine also produced rapid immune responses, raising the possibility that it could be used after exposure as part of emergency treatment, though further research is needed.
A follow-up study is planned to start later this year.
Rabies is most commonly spread through dog bites.
Global prevention efforts focus on vaccinating dogs and providing post-exposure treatment to people.
However, the need for multiple vaccine doses makes routine immunisation difficult in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Researchers hope that a single-dose, low-cost option could make preventive vaccination more feasible in high-risk regions.
The trial is ongoing, with participants to be followed for up to 5.5 years to assess the duration of protection.
Larger studies will be required before the vaccine can be approved for wider use.
The full study is published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
The Hawkstone Premium Lager and IPA are both available on draught at the Crazy Bear hotel in Stadhampton.
Launched by Mr Clarkson in 2021, the Cotswolds-based Hawkstone brand is now the fastest growing beer brand in the UK.
Andy Cross, sales director at Hawkstone, said: “Hawkstone is built on championing the very best of British farming, so it’s great to see the beers being poured at the Crazy Bear.
“It’s a venue that really cares about quality, which makes it a great fit for the brand.”
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Rob Puffett, general manager at the Crazy Bear, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Hawkstone and introducing their range to our countryside pub.
“Hawkstone’s focus on British ingredients, craft, quality and a sense of humour makes it a natural fit for the Crazy Bear.”
Hawkstone IPA won gold at the 2025 World Beer Awards and was crowned England’s winner.
The IPA uses a combination of the finest hops, mixed with tropical and citrus bursts, plus a richness from the malt.
Hawkstone’s Premium Lager is the brewery’s original lager and according to brewers it has top notes of light citrus, complemented by a malty backbone. It was awarded gold at the World Beer Awards in 2024.
Hawkstone, named after the Neolithic stone near Mr Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm and inspired by the beauty of the Cotswolds, is stocked at more than 1,000 pubs across the UK.
Speaking on the creation of his Hawkstone Brewery, Mr Clarkson said: “They say that God took six days to create the world.
“The thing is it takes 30 days to create my Hawkstone lager, which means my lager is six times better than the world.”
The Crazy Bear is a luxury hotel and home to a variety of dining options, including its classic English restaurant, the freshly refurbished Hom Thai restaurant, an al fresco terrace and traditional countryside pub.
It has a sister venue in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
Two men, aged 76 and 34, are in a stable condition in hospital after they were allegedly stabbed in Highfield Avenue in Golders Green this morning (Wednesday, April 29).
Police officers tasered and arrested a 45-year-old, whom they believed had a bomb, when they confronted him.
Following the incident this morning, Thames Valley Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt has made a statement.
READ MORE: Major UK firm collapses in administration with almost 700 jobs at risk
“We are aware of the terrorist attack in Golders Green, North London, today,” he said.
“As a result, we will be increasing our patrols to provide reassurance and support to our Jewish communities within the Thames Valley.
“Our Jewish communities and the wider public can expect to see an enhanced policing presence around key locations, including places of worship.
“This will include armed response vehicles and is standard practice in response to terrorist incidents such as this one.
READ MORE: Trains delayed and cancelled after trespassers on tracks
“Please do speak to our officers out and about if you have any questions, concerns or information to share.
“We are asking the public to please remain vigilant and report anything that doesn’t feel right to police via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 123.
“Information that you share can make a difference, and always call 999 in an emergency.
“We are really proud that the Thames Valley is a diverse, inclusive and vibrant place, and we stand together in solidarity with all those affected by today’s news.”
Great Western Railway (GWR) revealed this afternoon (Wednesday, April 29) that trespassers have entered the tracks near Didcot Parkway station.
This is affecting trains to Reading with the incident occurring somewhere between there and Didcot.
READ MORE: Major UK firm collapses in administration with almost 700 jobs at risk
⚠ Travel Update – 29/04 ⚠
Due to trespassers on the railway between Didcot Parkway and Reading, some lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed.
Disruption is expected until 18:00
Check your journey at… pic.twitter.com/6NhGVJinsV
— GWR (@GWRHelp) April 29, 2026
The train service has warned that this disruption is expected to continue until at least 6pm this evening.
A statement published across social media for GWR said: “Due to trespassers on the railway between Didcot Parkway and Reading, some lines are blocked.
“Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed.
“Disruption is expected until 6pm.”
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