Thought of the Day - February 26 - Great News on a Friday

With the introduction of vaccines there were three big questions:

1. Will it prevent symptomatic infection - thus save lives;

2. Is it safe - ensuring the cure is not worse than the disease;

3. Will it prevent transmission - thus stop the spread.

As reported, there has been growing evidence of the first two: 90%+ reduction in severe disease, and a post-vaccination death rate no higher than in the general population ( Thought of the Day - February 21 - By the Numbers ). But now it looks like, the Pfizer vaccine at least, reduces all infections (symptomatic and asymptomatic) - by 72% 21 days after the first dose, and 86% a week after the second - according to a UK study (it should be noted that the effect on asymptomatic infections was not part of Phase III trials, as only people with symptoms were tested).

This is great news! It means that the majority of vaccinated people cannot be carriers either and thus we have the first evidence that an artificially induced "Herd Immunity" is a real possibility.

In addition, after much debate, Canada has finally approved the much more cost-effective AstraZeneca vaccine. This will provide an additional vaccine source and, as it has much less stringent handling requirements, opens the door for a wider base of immunization clinic locations - such as pharmacies, dentists, community centres in time for BC Phase 3 ramp-up at the end of March.

Cheers

Cliff