Researchers from the University of Oxford have determined that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines do not only protect people from the deadly and contagious disease but also drastically reduces viral transmission.
AstraZeneca vaccine could reduce viral transmission and has 76% efficacy rate on the first shot.
AstraZeneca Shots Reduce Viral Transmission
According to the New York Times, the study is the first to document such effect on the novel coronavirus, and it appears like the AstraZeneca shots are the first one to have that effect.
To measure the impact on the transmission of the virus, the team of researchers swabbed participants each week to look for signs of the virus--if they find no virus even if the person has been infected with COVID-19, it means it cannot spread to others.
Based on the research, the team found that there is a 67% reduction in the positive swabs among the participants that have been injected with the AstraZeneca shots.
The study concluded that the vaccine shot could cut the viral transmission by nearly two-thirds.
76% Effective Against COVID-19
Furthermore, the research also found that a single dose of the vaccine is 76% effective against COVID-19, with the data gathered after three months after the participants received the first shot of the vaccine.
This does not include the first three weeks that is required for the shot to take effect and provide the necessary protection
The result has provided support not just for Britain but also for other countries that made deals with AstraZeneca and Oxford to prioritize giving as many people as possible with the first dose even if the second is delayed than initially planned.
However, the same cannot be said for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are the two vaccines that have been authorized for use in the United States.
For those who want to check the result of the study, it has been published by AstraZeneca and Oxford researchers in a pre-print website, meaning it has not been peer-reviewed yet.
However, British health secretary Matt Hancock hailed the results from the paper as "absolutely superb," saying, "We now know that the Oxford vaccine also reduces transmission and that will help us all get out of this pandemic."
Moreover, Hancock said that the result should give everyone confidence that the vaccine shot not only keeps people safe but also prevents them from passing the virus onto others.
More Data Required Before Conclusions Can Be Stated
Nevertheless, other scientists are requiring more analysis before any conclusions should be made.
"While this would be extremely welcome news, we do need more data before this can be confirmed and so it's important that we all still continue to follow social distancing guidance after we have been vaccinated," said Dr. Doug Brown, the chief executive of the British Society for Immunology.
As of now, the US is awaiting more data from a trial that enrolled 30,000 participants, mostly Americans, before they can approve the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.
The result is expected to arrive later this month, so the approval by the US Food and Drug Administration should come early March, and then it can be deployed for vaccination programs across the country.
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Written by: Nhx Tingson
