The first big peer-reviewed real-world study of the Pfizer vaccine has confirmed it is very effective at preventing serious illness or death – even after one dose. In a potential landmark moment, results from a mass vaccination campaign in Israel showed the jab is roughly as effective in the real world as it was in smaller-scale clinical trials. After one shot, the vaccine was 62% effective at preventing severe disease – rising to 92% after two doses – according to data published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Vaccines are beginning to slow deaths among vulnerable, new research shows Its estimated effectiveness for preventing death was 72% two to three weeks after the first shot, which could rise as immunity builds over time. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine appeared just as effective in those over 70 as in younger people. Advertisement “This is immensely reassuring… better than I would have guessed,” said the Mayo Clinic’s Dr Gregory Poland, who was not involved in the study. More than half a million people were involved in the peer-reviewed study as Israel has stormed ahead with one of the world’s fastest vaccine rollouts, providing a rich source of data on how well they work… Read full this story
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