US study gives a booster shot to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

A woman get an AstraZeneca dose in Cambodia’s Phnom Penh. PIC/AFP

AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine showed 79 per cent efficacy against symptomatic disease and 100 per cent efficacy against severe disease and hospitalisation in a new, US-based clinical trial, the company said Monday. The findings from the new Phase 3 trial, which included more than 32,000 participants, may boost confidence in the vaccine, which was originally developed by the University of Oxford, as reported by CNN.

The trial showed that the vaccine was well-tolerated and identified no safety concerns, the company said. An independent committee "found no increased risk of thrombosis or events characterized by thrombosis among the 21,583 participants receiving at least one dose of the vaccine", according to AstraZeneca. The new data came from a Phase 3 clinical trial conducted in the US, Chile, and Peru.

In the trial, more than 32,000 volunteers were recruited across all ages who received either two doses of the vaccine or a placebo vaccine at a four-week interval. Oxford said the findings add "to previous trial data from the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa, as well as real-world impact data from the United Kingdom".

Boris Johnson warns of possible third wave

London: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday warned of a possible third wave hitting the country. "We are all facing the same pandemic, we all have the same problems, I think one thing is worth stressing, is that on the continent right now you can see sadly there is a third wave underway," he said. Johnson also talked down tension over a possible European Union blockade of AstraZeneca exports to the UK. The row between Brussels and London over the vaccine is again heating up.

Taiwan kicks off vaccination with AZ

Taipei: Health care workers received the first shots in Taiwan's COVID-19 vaccination drive on Monday, beginning a campaign that won't use supplies from China. Taiwanese premier Su Tseng-chang received the first shot at National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei. "After 30 minutes of rest, there's no sign of any discomfort," he said.

Curfew in Miami for another week

Fort Lauderdale: Pointing to over 1,000 arrests, Miami Beach officials warned Sunday that the unruly spring break crowd gathering by the thousands, refusing to wear masks has become a serious threat to public safety. City officials voted to extend a highly unusual 8 pm curfew for another week, with the possibility of extending it well into April if needed.

5,04,442

No. of new cases reported globally in the past 24 hours

12,33,49,088

Total no. of cases worldwide

27,17,306

Total no. of deaths worldwide

Source: WHO/Johns Hopkins

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