Covid-19: Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shown to be highly effective

The Oxford-AstraZeneca phase three trials of the Covid-19 vaccine show a high level of effectiveness. Interim data suggests 70% protection. However, protection was 90% in an analysis of around 3,000 people on the trial who were given a half-sized first dose and a full-sized second dose. The results come after Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed 95% protection. However, the Oxford jab is far cheaper, and is easier to store and get to every corner of the world than the other two.

Professor Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group a the University of Oxford explains what the trials have revealed, and how the 'not for profit' pricing policy and ability of the vaccine to be stored at 'fridge' temperatures make its distribution more straightforward.

Photo: A researcher in a laboratory at the Jenner Institute working on the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University Credit: John Cairns/University of Oxford/PA