[ad_1]
The Oxford / AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine offers better protection more time is left before a second dose, a government immunization adviser has said.
Professor Anthony Harnden, vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), said data supports delayed second dose of Oxford vaccine, but “we’re not so sure” about vaccine rival of Pfizer.
Both vaccines require two doses and experts have recommended that the second dose be given between four and 12 weeks after the first.
But Pfizer said its trials did not examine this length of delay – its researchers looked at a three-week interval between jabs.
Watch: Oxford jab more effective when second dose is delayed
Professor Harnden told the Commons Science and Technology Committee: “What was really interesting about the Oxford / AstraZeneca data was that the longer we left the second dose, the better the long-term protection you get. get the vaccine.
“Not only was the data from the Oxford / AstraZeneca trial really impressive in terms of protection against very serious illness, hospitalization and death – in fact, there is some data to suggest that they are 100% effective.
“So we were really confident that this will not only protect serious illnesses but also as a longer term strategy for these people that they might end up getting better long term protection from a delayed second dose.
“We’re not so sure with Pfizer, I have to say we are sure, but we are much more sure with the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine.”
Two UK studies published on Monday showed COVID-19 vaccination programs are contributing to a sharp drop in hospitalizations, raising hopes that vaccines will work just as well in the real world as in carefully controlled studies.
Preliminary results from a study in Scotland found that the Pfizer vaccine reduced hospital admissions by up to 85% four weeks after the first dose.
In comparison, the Oxford shooting reduced admissions by up to 94%.
Read more:
‘Forcing tired students to have longer school days wouldn’t work’, say teaching experts
Greece ‘could open borders to vaccinated British tourists from May’
In England, preliminary data from a study of healthcare workers showed that the Pfizer vaccine reduced the risk of catching COVID-19 by 70% after one dose, a figure that rose to 85% after the second .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This new evidence shows that the jab protects you and those around you.
“It is important that we see as much evidence as possible on the impact of the vaccine on protection and on transmission and we will continue to publish evidence as we gather it. ”
Although no figures have been given on the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine in reducing transmission of the virus, the researchers behind the healthcare study said it would reduce transmission.
In December, experts advising the government, including the JCVI, said the second dose of the vaccine should be delayed for up to 12 weeks, which would allow more people to be vaccinated.
On Sunday, the government said every adult in the country should receive a first vaccine by July 31, at least a month before their previous goal.
The new goal also calls on all people aged 50 and over and those with an underlying health condition to receive their first of two vaccines by April 15, rather than the previous date of May 1.
Watch: What is a long COVID?
[ad_2]
Source link