One dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalisation or death for people over the age of 80 by 75%, according to new data released by the British health service Public Health England (PHE).
Their analysis also showed that one dose of the vaccine reduced the risk of infection by 57% in those aged over 80.
The effect of the first dose occurs from about three to four weeks of. After taking the second dose. This figure increases to 88% after taking second dose, the data suggests.
The study was conducted by collecting data from more than 12,000 seniors over the age of 80.
"This is proof that Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine prevents infection in people while protecting against hospitalisation and death," said Dr Mary Ramsay of PHE.
The British health service is also monitoring the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine, data very much sought out by several countries wanting the Swedish-British pharmaceutical company's advice on using the vaccine to people over the age of 55.
According to preliminary data the AztraZeneca vaccine offers a "good level" of protection. However, no information has yet been communicated of when the final results will be announced.
The Brussels Times
