[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been found that just the first dose of Pfizer and AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccines reduces hospitalization rates among the elderly by 80%.
According to AFP and others on the 1st (local time), the UK Public Health England (PHE) studied data from vaccinations given to those aged 80 and above since January, resulting in these findings.
The Pfizer vaccine also reduced mortality by 83%. AZ started vaccinations later, so related data has not yet been secured.
Both vaccines showed high preventive effects for the elderly. Among those aged 70 and above, four weeks after the first dose, the symptomatic prevention effect was 57-61% for Pfizer and 60-73% for AZ.
The UK attributed the recent sharp decline in elderly hospitalization rates to these research results. UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, "This could be evidence for why hospitalization rates among those aged 80 and above in the UK have dropped to single digits over the past few weeks," calling it "very good news."
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a video press briefing that the number of new confirmed cases worldwide has increased for the first time in seven weeks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned, "It is disappointing but not surprising," adding, "Relying solely on COVID-19 vaccines without additional preventive measures is risky."
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