A preprint published in MedRxiv by Andrejko and others evaluated the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination under real world conditions of use.
They found that fully immunised individuals either with Pfizer or Moderna vaccination experienced 86% protection against SARS-CoV-2.
Partial protection was observed following the first dose at 66% in the first two weeks and after receipt of the second dose, 78% protection was found in a case controlled study between February and April 2021.
They concluded that the ongoing rollout of Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations was preventing COVID-19 in the general population in spite of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
They were concerned about vaccine hesitancy, which they suggested presented a barrier to reaching coverage levels needed for herd immunity.
The London General Practice commends the government on its vaccination programme against COVID-19 and encourages all to have the vaccinations when eligible.
Dr Paul Ettlinger
BM, DRCOG, FRCGP, FRIPH, DOccMed