Two doses of AstraZeneca vaccine 85%-90% effective, real-world data shows
Two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are around 85 percent to 90 percent effective against the symptomatic disease, Public Health England (PHE) has said, citing a new analysis of real-world data from the roll-out of the shot in the UK. The PHE estimated that 13,000 deaths have been prevented in people aged 60 years or older in England up to May 9, 2021.
Estimated fatalities reported in different age groups
Notably, 11,100 deaths in individuals aged 80 years and older, 1,600 in individuals aged 70 to 79, and 300 in individuals aged 60 to 69 years were reported, the PHE estimated in its latest weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report on Thursday.
New statistics prove that vaccines save lives: Hancock
The new analysis about the effectiveness of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine compares to 90 percent estimated effectiveness against the symptomatic disease of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, according to reports. Commenting on the PHE data, UK Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said the new statistics show the vaccine "saves lives and protects you from ending up in hospital with COVID-19."
'Threat of new variants increases the importance of vaccination'
"The 13,000 deaths and the 39,100 hospitalizations that have been prevented are not just numbers. They are our family, our friends, our loved ones, and a poignant reminder of the impact the vaccine is having," he said. With the threat of new variants, it has never been more important to get the vaccine, Hancock added.
Vaccines best weapon to send this virus away: Zahawi
UK's Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said, "This new data highlights the incredible impact that both doses of the vaccine can have, with a second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine providing up to 90 percent protection." There is no better weapon to send this virus into retreat than our life-saving vaccines, Zahawi said.
Vaccines have prevented approximately 39,100 hospitalizations
"A second dose is vital to ensure you have the strongest possible protection so we can return to normality and get back to the things we love," Zahawi added. According to the PHE estimations, it also indicates that the vaccination program has prevented around 39,100 hospitalizations in those aged 65 years and over in England.
