International
AstraZeneca COVID-19 Jab ‘Less Effective Against S/African Strain’
- France, Germany and Switzerland have recommended that the jab should not be used in the elderly
- Researchers are currently working to update the vaccine
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine fails to prevent mild and moderate cases of the South African coronavirus strain, according to research reported in the Financial Times.
But in its study, due to be published Monday, the pharma group said it could still have an effect on severe disease — although there is not yet enough data to make a definitive judgement.
None of the 2,000 participants in the trial developed serious symptoms, the FT said, but AstraZeneca said the sample size was too small to make a full determination.
“We may not be reducing the total number of cases but there is still protection against deaths, hospitalisations and severe disease,” said Sarah Gilbert, who led the development of the vaccine with the Oxford Vaccine Group.
Read also: AstraZeneca, Oxford Say COVID-19 Vaccine 70% Effective
It could also be “some time” before they determine its effectiveness for older people in fighting the strain, which is a growing presence in Britain, she told the BBC.
“We might have to put it together from a number of studies,” she said.
Researchers are currently working to update the vaccine, and “have a version with the South African spike sequence in the works” that they would “very much like” to be ready for the autumn, said Gilbert.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
- Nigeria Receives 16m Doses Of Vaccine
- UK Okays Astrazeneca/Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine For Jan. 4 Mass Rollout
- Biden Receives COVID-19 Vaccine On Live TV
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
