Norovirus vaccine: How does the trial work, when could it be available and what will it mean for the NHS?

This electron microscope image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a cluster of norovirus virions - (AP)

With norovirus accounting for around 12,000 hospital admissions every year, news that a groundbreaking vaccine trial is set to begin has raised hopes that it could eventually help to relieve the “burden” the bug places on the NHS.

At various points each winter, the NHS is forced to battle increased demand from respiratory illnesses, flu, Covid-19 and norovirus.