Tests show the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is be up to 70 per cent effective in fighting coronavirus infection.
In a surprise twist, the much-vaunted vaccine was up to 90 per cent effective when administered at a half dose and then at a full dose.
Here’s a look at the key questions behind how the Oxford vaccine works:
How does it trigger an immune response?
The vaccine uses a weakened version of a virus to prepare the body for an attack.
In this case, scientists used a virus that causes a common cold in chimpanzees but is harmless to humans.
The genetic instructions for the “spike protein” of coronavirus – which it needs to invade cells – are transferred to the vaccine.
It triggers an immune response, effectively training the body to recognise coronavirus and destroy it.
Having been through a practice run, the body is ready to fight the real thing.
Does it work differently to Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines?
Yes. The Oxford vaccine uses conventional technology, while Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccine is a new approach.
Pfizer and Moderna are messenger RNA vaccines.
RNA vaccines use only the virus’s genetic code, while the Oxford vaccine uses a weakened version of the virus.
Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines, which each have 95 per cent efficacy, tell the body to create antigens to fight infected cells.
No actual virus is needed to create RNA vaccines.
How is it administered and why does the dose matter?
Curiously, the Oxford vaccine was less effective when given as two full doses.
In clinical trials, the vaccine was 90 per cent effective when administered as one half dose followed by a full dose a month later.
The result was 62 per cent when given as two full doses over the same time period.
Together, the results calculate to an average efficacy of 70 per cent.
Prof Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said on Monday more data was needed to explain why there was a difference.
“We think by giving a smaller first dose we’re priming the immune system differently, we’re setting it up to respond better," he said.
“But we don’t know whether it is in the quality or the quantity of the immune response.”
Prof Sarah Gilbert, who worked on the vaccine, theorised that the smaller dosage better mimicked how coronavirus infects the body.
“It could be that it is a better way of kicking the immune system into a reaction,” she said.
When will it be rolled out?
AstraZeneca said it hopes to have four million doses of the vaccine manufactured by the end of the year.
It is hoped that number will rise sharply to 40 million by the end of March.
At times of peak distribution, 200 million doses will be manufactured each month.
Pam Cheng, AstraZeneca's vice president of operations, said the company was planning for half-dose and full-dose scenarios.
“There are not many implications for distribution (under both scenarios),” she said.
Are Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines better than Oxford’s?
Scientists are cautioning against judging one vaccine as better than another.
Prof Pollard said comparisons were difficult because the data behind Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines had not yet been released.
“Press releases don’t give all the information,” he said. The Oxford data is expected to be released in coming days.
While the Oxford vaccine may have a lower efficacy, it is cheaper and can be distributed easily.
The Pfizer shot needs to be kept at minus 75°C while Oxford’s can be stored at refrigerator temperature.
Is it safe?
No one who was on the Oxford trial needed to be admitted to hospital for coronavirus, scientists said.
The team reported that minor side effects included tiredness, headaches and fever.
The safety data has been submitted to regulators on a “rolling basis” and the team believes they can apply for emergency approval shortly.
Can this vaccine help the elderly?
The University of Oxford said its vaccine could induce a strong immune response in all age groups.
The immune responses among younger and older adults were similar, it said.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Uefa Champions League, Group C
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade
Anfield, Liverpool
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
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Francesco Totti's bio
Born September 27, 1976
Position Attacking midifelder
Clubs played for (1) - Roma
Total seasons 24
First season 1992/93
Last season 2016/17
Appearances 786
Goals 307
Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
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Biography
Favourite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Holiday choice: Anything Disney-related
Proudest achievement: Receiving a presidential award for foreign services.
Family: Wife and three children.
Like motto: You always get what you ask for, the universe listens.
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Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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