The peer review confirmed that the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine is effective against two variants of the coronavirus, the companies announced on Monday.
The review, published in the magazine Physical Medicine, supports the results of a study completed in late January by Pfizer and the University of Texas.
When the study was originally released, BioNTech and Pfizer said the finding suggests that no new vaccine would be needed to fight coronavirus mutations first discovered in the UK and South Africa.
Nevertheless, the continuous transformation of the deadly virus necessitates clinical data and constant observation. Experts believe that it is not a foregone conclusion that vaccines currently in use will remain effective against possible new variants of the virus in the future.
Spahn gives confidence in vaccines
On Monday, German Health Minister Jens Spahn expressed confidence in the effectiveness of all three vaccines approved by the European Union. This follows the announcement by the South African government that it will suspend its planned implementation of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
South Africa justified the decision by pointing out the low efficacy of the vaccine against mild and moderate infection due to the B.1351 variant, which currently prevails in the country. Spahn stressed that the three EU-approved vaccines show high efficacy against serious infection.
Germany changes policy to avoid waste
Spahn also announced a change in Germany’s vaccination policy. Persons such as health care workers and emergency services personnel will be allowed to shoot and shoot sooner than expected in an effort to avoid vaccines that have already been opened and that need to be used or discarded at the end of each day.
However, the minister urged those “who have political responsibility to set a good example” by waiting patiently for their turn. The statement comes in light of the news that some individuals used the power of their positions to get vaccinations even though they were in non-risk groups.
Spahn maintained that teachers and students will remain low on the list, despite the discussion of reopening schools, stressing that those most in need – those over 80, as well as those working and living in nursing homes – are at the forefront of the row will remain.
js / rt (AFP, Reuters)