Could be relief for developing countries not concerned about the 2-shot regime of the vaccine.
If ever a vaccine was “rising from a torturous slumber”, AstraZeneca is it!
The scientists at Edinburgh University found that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine achieved a 94% efficacy, at preventing serious illness up to 4 weeks after the first dose. The British scientists, appear (even) to find that, the newly resurrected vaccine has a greater than 80% efficacy in people over 80. Pouring scorn on the finding by German scientists that the vaccine data demonstrated no studied effect in people over 65.
I should caution that:
a) The real-world study was based in Scotland, where about 91% of the population is white.
b) In the Caribbean, close to 90% of most populations are black.
c) Further, the UK and Caribbean health systems are different. Time will tell how the Oxford-AstraZeneca will do in paradise.
d) The Scottish study is a pre-print, meaning that it has not been peer-reviewed or published in a respectable scientific journal such as the
lancet.
e) The finding is based on a 1-month period of application.
Is it in the British interests, to find in favor of the Oxford-AstraZeneca, which “took fire” for alleged sloppy science? under-dosing at trial stages etc? The 438 year old Edinburgh University is a high-pedigree academic institution. I do not for one moment, believe that they would compromise their credibility, to “save” the Oxford-AstraZeneca scientists from them self.
Assuming the AstraZeneca vaccine to be as good as the Scottish university is reporting (94% effective at preventing serious illness in the first month
of application) I encourage everyone to take it.
Ultimately, the most efficient vaccine coming to market is the J&J option. A 1-shot vaccine with an 85% efficacy at preventing illness and death; Kept stable at normal refrigerator temperature; and at around 25% the cost of the Pfizer and Moderna 2-shot options. Until the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrives at a clinic near you, I strongly recommend that you “grab” an AstraZeneca vaccine and prepare to get-on with your life. Unless, of course, you know how to get the most effective vaccine in the World today, the Sputnik (V).
Reference: “AstraZeneca vaccine reduced Covid-19 hospitalisation risk by 94%, Scotland study shows” https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/astrazeneca-vaccine-reduced-covid-19-hospitalisation-risk-by-94-scotland-study-shows-954141.html
Arvel Grant
Public Health and International Development Specialist.