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The latest study of Oxford is a cold shower: for scientists it is «unlikely the first vaccine against COVID-19 prevent people from contracting virus, but it may only relieve symptoms».
Scientists at the University of Oxford, who are leading the global race for a vaccine, have set a minimum protection goal of 50%. Although a vaccine capable of cutting symptomatic cases in half would vastly increase the chances that governments will loosen restrictions, scientists say it is unlikely to be some kind of bomb. According to the Times, the government believes that a vaccine will be ready in the first half of next year. Senior Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance said several candidates have shown that they can elicit an immune response that should be protective.
Scientists warn that the first coronavirus vaccine is unlikely to prevent people from contracting the virus and only relieve symptoms https://t.co/Vx53jdRQM1
– The sun (@TheSun) September 25, 2020
However, social distancing and other hygiene measures may still need to be implemented during the launch of the vaccine, although this will depend on the success of the vaccine. A government source told the newspaper: «It seems that the most likely result in the short or medium term is to find a vaccine, or two doses of a vaccine, although it only reduces the severity of symptoms». In an ideal scenario, a vaccine could provide “sterilizing immunity”, which completely blocks the infection. But experts believe that people may need a first dose of the vaccine. COVID-19 and then a withdrawal a month later to avoid contracting the virus. The Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Doumya Swaminathan, says that at least 60-70% of the population should be immune to «really break the chain of transmission». As a result, a vaccine with an efficacy level of only 50% would make it difficult for the country to obtain group immunity. That would be the best for any country.
The evidence that enters the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies #WISE is now live. This supports the government’s response to # COVID-19 https://t.co/Ya9VYyIVeu pic.twitter.com/ImxLZSKeFg
– Sir Patrick Vallance (@uksciencechief) March 20, 2020
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Charlie Weller, director of vaccines for the Wellcome Trust charity, told the Times:
«We need to manage everyone’s expectations of what these vaccine pioneers can actually do. There is a lot of hope, understandably, put into a vaccine, hoping it will bring us back to normal the next day, but it won’t be the perfect solution; it won’t be the silver bullet». Matt Hancock still hopes the UK will have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, but it is more likely to be achieved «early 2021».
Last updated: 17:06
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