A peer review confirmed that the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine is effective against two variants of the coronavirus, the companies announced on Monday.
The review, which was published in the journal Nature Medicine, supported the results of a study completed by Pfizer and the University of Texas in late January.
When the study was originally launched, BioNTech and Pfizer said their discovery suggested that no new vaccines would be needed to combat coronavirus mutations first discovered in the UK and South Africa.
However, the continuing transformation of the deadly virus makes clinical data and constant observation imperative. Experts say 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 expresses confidence in vaccines
On Monday, German Health Minister Jens Spahn expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the three vaccines approved by the European Union. There followed the announcement by the South African government that it would suspend the planned launch of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
South Africa justified the decision by pointing to the low effectiveness of the vaccine against mild and moderate infections resulting from variant B.1351, which is currently dominant in the country. Spahn emphasized that the three vaccines approved by the EU showed high efficacy against serious infections.
Germany changes policy to avoid waste
Spahn also announced a change in Germany’s vaccination policy. Individuals such as health professionals and emergency service personnel would be allowed to skip the line and take injections earlier than expected, in an effort to avoid wasting vaccines that have already been opened and must be used or discarded at the end of each day.
The minister, however, exhorted those “who have political responsibility to set a good example”, patiently awaiting their turn. The statement came to light in the news that some individuals have used the power of their positions to obtain vaccines, despite belonging to risk-free groups.
Spahn maintained that teachers and students would remain at the bottom of the list, despite the talk of reopening schools, emphasizing that those most in need – those over 80, as well as those who work and live in nursing homes – would remain in front of the row.
js / rt (AFP, Reuters)