German biotech company BioNTech and US pharmaceutical Pfizer announced on Monday promising early results from their phase 3 clinical trial for a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
These early results are what is known as an “interim analysis”. It’s an early look at the data before a study is complete, to understand if there is any indication of whether the vaccine might work.
Currently, this trial has enrolled 43,538 volunteers, giving half the volunteers two doses of the vaccine and the other half two doses of a placebo. These volunteers then continued their normal lives, but they were monitored for any symptoms that could be COVID-19, with testing to confirm.
Also be prepared for supply difficulties even if it gains approval. The vaccine is manufactured in Belgium, there may be border delays after the end of the year because of Brexit, added to the fact that it has to be stored at a very low temperature of minus 70°C (-94°F) until shortly before it is used.
We may have to use the Oxford/AstraZeneca, AZD1222, vaccine that should be available by the end of the year which potentially has a much better efficacy across the generations anyway.
I wonder if you are given the Pfizer vaccine and then they find the Oxford one is more effective for older/pre existing conditions whether you will be able to have both ? Or having one will cancel out the other or interact or maybe they will just work together ?
Should we keep our 'hermit hats' on and wait for more info...possibly till next summer ? Hmmm....... a dilemma.
There is also the question about those that have had the virus. Non-hospitalised case testing did not start until the third week of April, that was at the height of the first wave. Ergo, there are a lot of people who have had the virus but were never tested, how would they know? I should think that if it is safe for them, it should be safe for an individual to have two different vaccines. That question has not really been answered yet, hopefully that will be part of the approval process.
I believe I read that the flu vaccine is only 60% effective and most people seem to trust that.
Covid ICU wards and deaths have been more publicised than flu deaths which I believe has made people more scared of the virus and maybe more distrustful of the vaccine.
Personally,I am on the fence with this one.I had a pneumonia jab and still became seriously ill with it
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
covid - any benefit from Azithromycin 250
Covid 19 Spring Booster (4th jab)
A Ghost In The Woods.
Waiting anxiously for CT results
Afraid to go back to work.
