However, the encouraging result was that the jab showed 100% protection against severe disease (including all hospitalisation and death) caused by the original and newer variants across both trials. The latest results are based on 106 cases, with 10 participants in the vaccine group and 96 in the placebo group. The vaccine was tested against the original variant, as well as the new 501Y.V1 variant that was first detected in the UK in late 2020. Results indicated that the jab was 96% protective against the original variant, and 86% protective against 501Y.V1, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 89.7%. An overall 48.6% efficacy may appear worrying, but it is the complete protection against severe disease result that is more significant.

Source: News 24 March 12, 2021 11:37 UTC