PHE UK data shows Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provides high-level protection from the first dose
February 25, 2021 at 4:47:19 AM
England: Public Health England (PHE) has published the first independent analysis in the UK showing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is effective against infection and symptomatic COVID-19 disease from the first dose.
Early data from PHE’s SIREN study shows a promising impact on infection in healthcare workers aged under 65. Healthcare workers in the study are tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) every 2 weeks – whether or not they have symptoms.
Data show one dose reduces the risk of catching infection by more than 70%, rising to 85% after the second dose. This suggests the vaccine may also help to interrupt virus transmission, as you cannot spread the virus if you do not have an infection.
PHE’s analysis of routine testing data also shows that one dose is 57% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 disease in those aged over 80. This effect occurs from about 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose.
Early data suggests the second dose in over 80s improves protection against symptomatic disease by a further 30%, to more than 85%.
Hospitalisation and deaths rates are falling in all age groups – but the oldest age groups are seeing the fastest decline since the peak in mid-January.
Early data suggests vaccinated people who go on to become infected are far less likely to die or be hospitalised. Overall, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 will be reduced by over 75% in those who have received a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
The risk of dying in those aged over 80 is less than half (56%) in vaccinated cases compared to unvaccinated cases, at least 14 days after receiving the first dose.
Those over 80 who develop COVID-19 infection after vaccination is around 40% less likely to be hospitalised than someone with infection who has not been vaccinated.
These high levels of protection are also seen against the variant of concern (B.1.1.7) first identified in South East England in December 2020.
While the data on infection, hospitalisation and death is promising, PHE will continue to observe these trends closely over the coming months to ensure firmer conclusions can be made.
PHE is also monitoring the real-world impact of the AstraZeneca vaccine and will publish these findings in due course – but early signals in the data suggest it’s providing good levels of protection from the first dose.
This data shows clear protection from the first dose, particularly against severe disease, supporting the decision to maximise the number of people vaccinated with a single dose, as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The current dosing strategy will save more lives by ensuring more people receive protection from severe disease following the first dose.
There is also good evidence suggesting that giving the second dose of AstraZeneca later will lead to much higher levels of protection. Offering the booster at 12 weeks will therefore help to ensure long-lasting protection beyond the current restrictions.
Germany's new anti-discrimination strategy for LGBTI
March 11, 2021 at 12:20:39 PM
Rep. image
Berlin: A new strategy that addresses the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (LGBTI) in its foreign policy and development cooperation. The draft strategy has been approved by the Cabinet.
Germany, LGBTI
Myanmar's ambassador to the UK calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint
March 10, 2021 at 6:16:10 AM
Rep. image of protesters
London: Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab responded to Myanmar ambassador to the UK Kyaw Zwar Minn's 8 March statement, which called for Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar's President to be released.
UK, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab
UK's statement on violence against children at the UN Human Rights Council 46
March 10, 2021 at 6:08:51 AM
Rep. image
London: The UK's International Human Rights Ambassador delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative Secretary-General on the Violence against Children.
UK, UN, Human Rights, G7
President Joe Biden statement on the House Taking Up the PRO Act
March 9, 2021 at 5:11:09 PM
Rep. image, U.S. Flag
Washington D.C.: President Biden strongly encourage the House to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2021, which would dramatically enhance the power of workers to organize and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
US President, Joe Biden, America
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. statement on First-Ever Papal Visit to Iraq
March 9, 2021 at 12:37:45 PM
Rep. image
Washington D.C.: Iraq is a country steeped in religious and ethnic diversity. It’s also home to one of the oldest and most diverse Christian communities in the world.
US President, Joe Biden, America