A new vaccine developed by Moderna offers 95 percent effectiveness against COVID-19, early data from the US company Moderna shows. The results are consistent with those delivered by Pfizer’s vaccine last week. Neal Browning, the second volunteer to receive Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine during the phase one trial in March, has spoken out about the side effects.
Speaking to Piers and Susanna on ITV’s Good Morning Britain earlier, he described it as “getting a regular flu shot”.
Elaborating on this, he said he had a “bit of a sore arm the next day.”
The trial involved 30,000 people in the US with half being given two doses of the vaccine, four weeks apart. The rest had placebo injections.
The analysis was based on the first 95 to develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Only five of the COVID cases were in people given the vaccine, 90 were in those given the placebo treatment.
The company says the vaccine is protecting 94.5 percent of people.
“The overall effectiveness has been remarkable… it’s a great day,” Tal Zaks, the chief medical officer at Moderna, told BBC News.
In a press briefing yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed the UK government has ordered five million doses of the Moderna vaccine.
If the vaccine passes all the relevant safety checks, the jab can start to be rolled out across the country by spring 2021, he said.
“We can see the candle of hope,” Hancock announced, but cautioned that people must keep complying with COVID-19 restrictions.
The latest vaccine is a slightly more attractive prospect than Pfizer’s candidate because it can be stored more easily.
It has been shown to last for up to 30 days in household fridges, at room temperature for up to 12 hours, and remains stable at -20C – equal to most household or medical freezers – for up to six months.
In contrast, Pfizer’s vaccine must be kept at around -70C, which presents a daunting challenge to mass distribution.
How can I reduce my risk of catching and spreading COVID-19?
To stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should avoid close contact with anyone you do not live with, according to current health advice.
Try to stay at least two metres (three steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble).
A social bubble is an arrangement whereby you can meet with one other household without social distancing if you live alone or you’re a single parent who lives alone with your children.
According to the NHS, if you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should get a test as soon as possible.
You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
“Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started,” adds the NHS.
It lists the main symptoms as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
