CDC director gives emotional warning of ‘impending disaster’ around Covid-19

Under real conditions, the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines offer highly effective protection, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With a full vaccination, the vaccines were 90% effective in preventing infections, including infections without symptoms. At a single dose, they were 80% protective, according to the agency’s Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report released on Monday.

The study looked at how vaccines protected nearly 4,000 health workers and first responders. Study volunteers worked in eight locations across the country and were observed from mid-December to mid-March.

The CDC tested volunteers regularly, regardless of symptoms. The CDC also monitored the volunteers through text messages, emails, and direct medical reports. The volunteers also took a nasal swab once a week.

Most of the volunteers, over 62%, had received both doses of a Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. More than 12% had received a single dose.

Of the 2,961 people vaccinated with one or more doses and the 989 unvaccinated participants, a total of 205 had a positive PCR test for Covid-19, more than 87% of these cases showing symptoms. Almost 23% of cases sought medical help. There were two hospitalizations, but no deaths.

The results of this study are similar to what scientists have seen in clinical trials for vaccines, but studies like this are important in showing the effectiveness of vaccines, especially in a population who, through their work , may encounter a large number of people who have Covid-19.

“Reducing the risk of communicable infection, which can occur in people with asymptomatic infection or in people several days before symptoms appear, is especially important for healthcare workers, first responders and others. essential and frontline agents given their potential for transmission of the virus through frequent close contact with patients and the public, ”the report concludes.