There have been news reports that a recent study found the Oxford/AstraZeneca #Covid19 #vaccine is “less effective” against the South African Variant of the virus. This does NOT mean that the vaccine is ineffective. It is important to clarify this

1. The study suggests that the vaccine provides low to moderate efficacy against mild disease
2. The vaccine still works well at preventing severe disease
3. The vaccine still works against the predominant variants circulating in the UK

There are some questions about the study which means it needs careful interpretation. Read more here https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-news-reports-that-the-oxford-az-vaccine-gives-limited-protection-against-mild-disease-caused-by-the-south-african-variant-of-sars-cov-2/

What all this means is that t the vaccine may not reduce the number of mild cases (ie which don’t need hospital admission) caused by the SA variant but will still reduce severe disease, hospitalisation and deaths.

This is still a significant level of protection and if people are offered the vaccine they should take it. Mild disease is a much, much better outcome than death or severe disease and a lengthy recovery from not being vaccinated.

This is only one study. And of 865 people vaccinated with 2 doses of the Oxford vaccine, 19 contracted the new variant, and of 884 in the group given a placebo, 23 contracted the disease. Two thirds of cases were of mild illness, an one third moderate. There were no severe cases.

Data also suggests the vaccine still offers more protection against the new variant than natural immunity from having been infected by the “original” virus, so even if you've had Covid already, you'll have better immune response generated by the vaccine

So if offered a vaccine, any vaccine. Take it. Mild disease is a better outcome than severe disease, and a much better outcome than death. (And yes, if I'm offered the Oxford vaccine when my turn come, I will take it. Without hesitation.)