AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines effective against Indian variant: Study

Reportedly, a study by Public Health England has found that the COVID-19 vaccines of Pfizer and AstraZeneca are highly effective against the Indian variant, especially after administering two doses.

Both vaccines recorded 33% efficacy against the Indian variant in three weeks after receiving the first dose. The study also found that the Pfizer vaccine was 88% effective at controlling symptomatic population two weeks after the second dose, while the AstraZeneca jab recorded 66% efficacy over the same period. 

According to Public Health England, the delayed rollout of the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine due to time is taken in approval could be the reason behind differences in the efficacy of both vaccines. It further added that another study shows that it takes a longer period for the AstraZeneca vaccine to reach maximum efficiency.

Notably, both vaccines were given to different age groups. While the AstraZeneca was administered to older people, the Pfizer dose was given to health workers who were mostly younger. This could also be another reason behind the vast differences found in the efficiency of both injections, the study claimed.

Health Secretary of U.K. Matt Hancock reportedly said that the research findings can help in easing the final stage of the lockdown in England.

Meanwhile, Priti Patel, the Home Secretary of the U.K. stated that although the data gathered by Public Health England show a positive trend, planned stages for easing the lockdown restrictions need to be followed strictly. She further added that wearing masks and practicing social distancing will help in fully unlocking the country on 21st June.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has also been used in the U.K since April, however, the number of people administered was too small to include in Public Health England’s study.

It is worth mentioning that around 37 million people in the United Kingdom have received their first dose of vaccine, while approximately 22 million have had their second.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57214596