South Africa has paused the rollout of the AZ vaccine

Well, Matt is on TV at 5pm. Maybe he will have some answers!

PippaZ

I didn't realise the study, conducted by South Africa’s University of the Witwatersrand and Oxford, has not yet been peer-reviewed. I think others have said it involved a relatively small sample pool of a few thousand people, with the median age of 31.

That makes me think it is premature to draw any conclusions from the study (positive or negative), until we get further information.

There are several issues here imo. One is that since the get go pre peer reviewed papers have been published - the first AZ paper before peer review was reported in an AZ press release. Secondly, whilst peer review is a necessary part of the whole process, when we have reputable bodies carrying out the research, i think there can be high degree of confidence in the initial results. Thirdly, if initial results are flagging up something that may be potentially serious, it is only ethical to flag up those findings ASAP. It works the other way too ethically. I know of clinical trials ( not vaccine ones) that have at a relatively early stage flagged up such promising early results that the placebo arm was halted as unethical.
As for numbers, these trials will have been properly ‘powered’. This is done by statisticians and basically means that the number of subjects in the trial is sufficient for statistically significant results to be obtained. This depends on what outcomes you are wanting to measure. As a general rule, the smaller the effect you are measuring, the larger the sample needs to be and vice versa.
One problem with the original AZ research is that some of the subgroups were too small for the results to be statistically significant. This is what led to some countries not authorising the vaccine for the over 65s because that subgroup was only 300 or so and it was not possible to have a statistically significant result from such a small number.
With the SA research it’s about 1000 in each arm but as we know, nobody over 40 so there weren’t even any results to be statistically significant or otherwise - which is why I keep rabbiting on about ‘absence of evidence’.

I do understand what you are saying Suziewoozie, about the absence of evidence not being the evidence of absence but I would still say while there is an absence of evidence we should not rush to judgement either positively or nagatively.

We do know what it does do and that is why we are using it.

Perhaps they’ll now decide to swap vaccine for the second dose, you’ll get the Pfizer if you had the Oxford AZ first time round, and vice versa, so everybody will have better immunity!

It didn't sound like it listening yesterday. I think they will get us all up to the two dose level and then go for boosters - until they change their mind of course .

BlueSky

Perhaps they’ll now decide to swap vaccine for the second dose, you’ll get the Pfizer if you had the Oxford AZ first time round, and vice versa, so everybody will have better immunity!

They are doing research now on using different doses for the two vaccines but it’s doubtful they won’t have the results before second doses start. Agree with Pippa the plan at the moment seems to be ( very sensibly) to carry on developing vaccines which will be effective against known new variants which cause concern. Atm this is looking like a booster in the autumn. It will be interesting when more is known as to whether only AZ needs a booster or if Pfizer will as well.

During our last major crisis. WW11, we were asked to put up blackout curtains to protect our cities from night time bombing raids. The anti-curtainers, if there were any, would put others at risk, those who didn’t have blackout curtains put up wood, old clothes, whatever they could find because some protection is better than none.

When I had my first dose vaccination (Pfizer) last Thursday, the Doctor in charge said they were already looking into trials of Pfizer first dose, Astra Zeneca for the second and vice versa.

I am grateful that Scientists worldwide are working together on vaccines and sequencing Covid-19 and its variants.

That’s interesting Suzie I wouldn’t have thought the the two vaccines were compatible to be given together but they must know different. I’ll be grateful for whatever they come up with.

Will the second dose replace the usual annual 'flu vax I wonder ?

Covid isn't flu so a covid vaccine will not, I would have thought, stop us getting flu. In which case we still need a flu injection for this year's variety.

I believe the numbers getting flu are well down. Not, it's thought, because of CV but because our sanitary habits have improved, especially mask-wearing. Just think what we could save the NHS if we continued doing it in crowded and public places.

EllenVannin why do you go to local shops 'maskless'? Really do not understand that all. I have asthma and COPD, but wear a mask (with little plastic thingie underneath to hold it away from my mouth and nostrils) when I do my weekly supermarket shop, or visit any other shops, etc.
If you wish to refuse the vaccine that is only you, you are potentially hurting -but not to wear a mask at present times is potentially damaging others.

I agree EllanVannin.
Far too many people dying and far too many having bad reactions to it.
Not enough research.

timetogo2016 - uncorroborated and dangerous post. Unless you have any evidence?

timetogo2016

I agree EllanVannin.
Far too many people dying and far too many having bad reactions to it.
Not enough research.

Facts to back up your statements please.

BlueSky

That’s interesting Suzie I wouldn’t have thought the the two vaccines were compatible to be given together but they must know different. I’ll be grateful for whatever they come up with.

Well the research will hopefully find that out. The other thing about the research is that it has global significance and if mixing doses work, it will help across the world when there are shortages and delays in getting a 2nd dose that matches. One of the things that has shone out with the vaccine development is a reminder of the international nature of medical science and the sharing of research and knowledge

timetogo16 - I know that making things up and then saying they are facts was used for four years on countless occasions by the USA President, and is also used by UK politicians. However, before you write such total untruths on here, and try to get people to think of them as truth - please show where you are getting this from. Or is it the same place that those talking about microchips in vaccines, and plandemics get their information???

I’m annoyed how this piece of news has been reported in the foreign press. I’ve friends in France and Italy who now believe the Oxford AZ is virtually useless, with some conceding that it’s OK for the under ‘60s, but just as effective as a Lemsip for the others. They are concerned when I say that’s what I had and have every confidence in it. Well if they don’t want it, there’ll be more for us!

BlueSky

I’m annoyed how this piece of news has been reported in the foreign press. I’ve friends in France and Italy who now believe the Oxford AZ is virtually useless, with some conceding that it’s OK for the under ‘60s, but just as effective as a Lemsip for the others. They are concerned when I say that’s what I had and have every confidence in it. Well if they don’t want it, there’ll be more for us!

I was pretty annoyed how it was reported in the domestic press quite frankly - why are you blaming the foreign press? You think we have world beating science journalism in this country ? ?????

Maybe there are people out to get the Oxford vaccine because it’s non profit making?

WHO have just announced AstraZenica is suitable for all ages, no link sorry, Sky news.

news.sky.com/story/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-recommended-for-all-adults-say-scientists-advising-the-world-health-organisation-12214373

Here it is Jaxjacky

I haven’t opened the link but haven’t WHO also said the 12 week gap should be accepted now for AZ and that if probably is not just as good as a shorter gap but better? I must admit that’s cheered me up and I hope we get some similar news about Pfizer soon.

I've seen something similar suziewoozie ?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56011981

I've having a day of posting links.... WHO say there is no reason to halt the use of the Astra Zeneca vaccine in South Africa. And throw in that spacing out the doses of the vaccine make it more effective, as suziewoozie said.

"There is no reason not to recommend its use even in countries that have circulation of the variant," said Dr Alejandro Cravioto, the chairman of WHO's Sage.