Oxford AstraZeneca Covid vaccine has 70% efficacy, data reveals

[Northerner]

A coronavirus vaccine developed in the UK can prevent 70.4% of people from getting Covid-19 and up to 90% if a lower dose is used, according to data.

Oxford University and AstraZeneca have announced their jab is effective in preventing many people getting ill and it has been shown to work in different age groups, including the elderly. There are early indications it might also help stop the spread of the disease.

Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said: “The announcement today takes us another step closer to the time when we can use vaccines to bring an end to the devastation caused by [Covid-19].

“We will continue to work to provide the detailed information to regulators. It has been a privilege to be part of this multi-national effort, which will reap benefits for the whole world.”

Oxford AstraZeneca Covid vaccine has up to 90% efficacy, data reveals

Vaccine developed in UK by AstraZeneca and Oxford University ‘will save many lives’, says scientist

www.theguardian.com

So, actually 90% effective if given in two doses like the other ones 🙂 Not sure why they headline the 70% 🙄

ETA: The professor in charge has just been on the BBC and explained - apparently the 70% is achieved using two FULL doses, but 'intriguingly' the 90% is achieved using a half dose followed by a full dose booster, thus it means less vaccine is required. He couldn't explain why this happens in the brief interview.

 

[Thebearcametoo]

The really exciting thing about the Oxford one is that it is cheap, doesn’t need to be stored at really cold temperatures and they are planning to release it globally at cost. Even at 70% efficacy that’s more than annual flu vaccines but if they can replicate the 90% that gives hope globally.

 

[Northerner]

The really exciting thing about the Oxford one is that it is cheap, doesn’t need to be stored at really cold temperatures and they are planning to release it globally at cost. Even at 70% efficacy that’s more than annual flu vaccines but if they can replicate the 90% that gives hope globally.

Yes, it's terrific news! 🙂 Pfizer's vaccine is starting to look a bit awkward now with Moderna and this one being able to be stored at fridge temps, plus this one is considerably cheaper than the Moderna one. I'd love to know what the differences are that lead to these cost and temperature disparities, given that the all work on the mRNA principle

 

[grovesy]

I think they are erring on the side of caution , but to me that is more realistic claim.

 

[Eddy Edson]

Yes, it's terrific news! 🙂 Pfizer's vaccine is starting to look a bit awkward now with Moderna and this one being able to be stored at fridge temps, plus this one is considerably cheaper than the Moderna one. I'd love to know what the differences are that lead to these cost and temperature disparities, given that the all work on the mRNA principle

Is the Oxford one mRNA? I thught it was a tinkered cold virus or something. Not that I really know what any of this test-tubey stuff actually means.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Is the Oxford one mRNA? I thught it was a tinkered cold virus or something.

That's my understanding, yes. The first two are mRNA but the Oxford/AstraZeneca one is something else (adenovirus, I think).

(I'm not sure how much I believe the specific percentages being reported. I suspect the numbers are quite small and so the confidence intervals must be rather large. Still, lots better than was expected a few months ago.)

 

[Eddy Edson]

(I'm not sure how much I believe the specific percentages being reported. I suspect the numbers are quite small and so the confidence intervals must be rather large. Still, lots better than was expected a few months ago.)

That was my first thought also, but as you say, it still seems like a real vindication for those virologists expressing optimism about really fast vaccine development early on.

 

[Robin]

They reached 90% by tweaking the dose, they gave a half size first dose, and a full sized second. I don’t think they really know why it was more effective, and I'm not sure how much testing they did with the reduced first dose, so they probably can’t make any claims for it yet. This article has more detail.

Covid-19: Oxford University vaccine is highly effective

The vaccine is cheaper than other options and easier to distribute around the world.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Northerner]

Is the Oxford one mRNA? I thught it was a tinkered cold virus or something. Not that I really know what any of this test-tubey stuff actually means.

Yes, my mistake 🙂