Your Age and Your Vaccine

Covid-19 is much more deadily, when infecting the elderly,than in younger age groups. The fact that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine 'only' gives 62% protection, when given as 2 full doses a month apart, has led some people to suggest we might have to use several vaccines to treat the different age cohorts. For the immediate future, some of the most vulnerable people, may need a more potent vaccine. (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/nov/27/different-age-groups-may-get-different-covid-vaccines-experts-say). As noted previously, the 90% protection by the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was only achieved, when giving a half dose followed by a full dose. This was seen, however, in a small sample and included nobody over the age of 55. It is planned to repeat the half dose followed by a full dose regime, globally with a wide range of ages but this will take time. Until it is completed, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) cannot be certain it will work in older people. Oxford/AstraZeneca are pressing ahead with getting the 2 full dose regime version approved by the MHRA. 62% doesn't sound as impressive as 90% but a vaccine doesn't have to totally block infection to be of benefit. The vaccinations used for seasonal influenza are not near 100% effective but they reduce the probability of serious disease and hospitalisation. The same appears true for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. I really don't see the need to over-complicate things.