Pfizer·Moderna 98%, AZ 85%... Two Doses of Any Vaccine Are Important
[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jinsoo Lee] In the UK, elderly individuals vaccinated with AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine showed a lower rate of antibody formation compared to those vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
According to recent reports from local media such as the Daily Mirror, research conducted by Imperial College London, a university specializing in natural sciences, engineering, and medicine, found that among the elderly who received two doses of the AZ vaccine, about 85% developed antibodies. Meanwhile, the rate was found to be as high as 98% for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
The researchers also concluded that the AZ vaccine's effectiveness against the Delta variant remained at 55%, whereas Pfizer and Moderna products recorded 85% effectiveness.
Regarding this, the researchers stated that this is not surprising at all, explaining that the AZ vaccine is made using a weakened, inactivated virus, while Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use an mRNA method that induces the body's immune response through fragments of the virus's genetic code.
However, the researchers emphasized that completing two doses of any vaccine is the most important, as this is when immunity reaches its peak.
The effectiveness of the AZ vaccine is still considered relatively strong. It has already been proven effective in preventing severe illness and death caused by COVID-19 infection.
According to the researchers, when both doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are administered, the antibody formation rate is 100% across all age groups except those over 80 years old. For elderly individuals over 80, the rate is 97.8%. For the AZ vaccine, the antibody formation rates were 90% up to age 69, 89.2% for ages 70-79, and 83.6% for those 80 and older.
The antibody formation rate after the first dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines was 100% in the 18-29 age group and 32.2% in the 70-79 age group. For the AZ vaccine, these rates were 72.2% and 46.2%, respectively.
Professor Graham Cook, who researches infectious diseases at Imperial College London, said, "Whether it is the AZ vaccine or Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, antibody formation rates vary after the first dose, but once the second dose is completed, all show good effects."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
