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Genuine question:
At https://www.fda.gov/media/144245/download it can be seen that in relation to the Pfizer vaccine:
The 95% effectiveness is based on:
162 cases / 22k receiving placebo with mild symptomatic Covid
vs
8 cases / 22k on active vaccine.
8 is ~5% of 162 so yes: 95% reduction.
At https://www.fda.gov/media/144245/download it can be seen that in relation to the Pfizer vaccine:
The 95% effectiveness is based on:
162 cases / 22k receiving placebo with mild symptomatic Covid
vs
8 cases / 22k on active vaccine.
8 is ~5% of 162 so yes: 95% reduction.
But 99.4% of the 22k in the placebo group didn't even develop mild symptomatic Covid.
This is despite the locations chosen being supposed hotspots to accelerate recruitment.
Severe Covid numbers were: 4 placebo: 1 active
One of these was hospitalised.
This is despite the locations chosen being supposed hotspots to accelerate recruitment.
Severe Covid numbers were: 4 placebo: 1 active
One of these was hospitalised.
Is the reason why this is being touted as a significant exit strategy because:
- governments don't understand trial data
- they do, but realise the fear is so ingrained they are happy to let people think it's more significant than it is.
- governments don't understand trial data
- they do, but realise the fear is so ingrained they are happy to let people think it's more significant than it is.
Neither answer is especially attractive.
I'm afraid the medical profession has not covered itself in glory either.
I'm afraid the medical profession has not covered itself in glory either.
In the context of a vaccine - especially a new one - fully informed consent must surely involve a discussion about the risks of the vaccine vs the risks of not having it.
I am yet to meet anyone to whom the latter part of the above has been discussed prior to vaccination.
I am yet to meet anyone to whom the latter part of the above has been discussed prior to vaccination.
It's worth emphasising that no regulator or manufacturer is claiming a reduction in actual infections - and by implication transmission to others - so any wider societal responsibility should not be used as coercion.
I always feel the need to add to these tweets that I am fervently pro-vaccination in general.
My kids had the entire schedule of childhood vaccines. I was aware of the risk benefit and, in particular, the safety profile (over 100m / Bs of doses) that those vaccines have.
My kids had the entire schedule of childhood vaccines. I was aware of the risk benefit and, in particular, the safety profile (over 100m / Bs of doses) that those vaccines have.
