Novavax has introduced a new vaccine to the market that is nearly 90 per cent effective against the original coronavirus strain and 86 per cent against the new UK variant.
Efficacy drops to 60 per cent for the South African strain of the virus.
The UK has ordered 60 million doses of vaccine, which will be produced on Teesside in north-east England.
Medical regulator the MHRA is reviewing the research data so approval could take some time.
Across the UK, 15,000 people volunteered to take part in trials for the new vaccine.
Prof Paul Heath, who was chief index investigator of the UK Novavax vaccine trial from St George's University Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust, said he was delighted with the results, which show high efficacy against Covid-19, particularly in the context of new variants.
“I think it is yet another great step forward for the UK, and gives us another vaccine that will be able to be successfully rolled out both in the UK and of course, ultimately, globally,” he said.
When asked about treating the South African variant, Prof Heath said he was confident that scientists would be able to keep up with all mutations of the virus and create future vaccines at pace.
John Kazine, commercial officer for Novavax said: “We're tremendously excited about the results from this trial.”
How the Novavax vaccine works
The Novavax vaccine trains the immune system to make antibodies to the coronavirus spike protein.
The vaccine is made up of spike protein from the virus, which is then purified and joined to an adjuvant that enhances the immune response.
‘The technology here is fairly traditional,” said Prof Heath.
The vaccine is given as two doses.
The advantages of the Novavax vaccine
The Novavax vaccine is stable for up to three months and can be stored in a normal fridge unlike the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna drugs that need ultra-low temperatures for storage.
It is hoped the Novavax vaccine will be available to use in the second half of this year.
What other vaccines are available?
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is currently available in Britain and is 95 per cent efficient at protecting against the virus.
It is manufactured in the UK and Brussels.
The AstraZeneca/Oxford shot is produced in the UK and Europe and clinical trials show it is 90 per cent effective.
AstraZeneca expects to have up to 40 million doses ready by the end of March 2021.
Moderna reports that its vaccine is 95.4 per cent effective. It has been approved for use in the UK, with delivery expected in the spring.
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
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Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
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What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
From Conquest to Deportation
Jeronim Perovic, Hurst
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The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
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GAC GS8 Specs
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
