Researchers say AstraZenica COVID-19 vaccine reduces transmission

Researchers says AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine shows signs it may reduce the virus' transmission and offers "strong" protection for three months on just a single dose.

 

Jamaica is set to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine in February,

 

The makers of the AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have said their shots proved to be 70 to 95 per cent effective in clinical trials in protecting people from COVID-19. 

 

It was unclear, however, whether the vaccines could also suppress transmission of the virus.

 

Head of the Caribbean Technical Advisory Group on Immunization, Professor Peter Figueroa says the AstraZeneca vaccine now appears to have the advantage of reducing transmission.

 

"When you get vaccinated it protects you from the disease but it does not always protect you from becoming infected with the virus and passing it on to someone else, who might be a family member, a neighbour or a friend. So the fact that this vaccine may reduce transmission is and advantage of this vaccine," Prof. Figueroa said.

 

The preliminary findings from Oxford University, which is a co-developer of  the vaccine, could vindicate the British government's controversial strategy of  delaying the second shot for up to 12 weeks so that more people can be quickly given a first dose. 

 

Until now, the recommended time between doses has been four weeks.