AstraZeneca vaccine 'effective against Kent Covid variant', Oxford researchers say

5 February 2021, 13:09 | Updated: 5 February 2021, 14:33

Researchers have said the Oxford vaccine is just as effective against the UK strain of coronavirus
Researchers have said the Oxford vaccine is just as effective against the UK strain of coronavirus. Picture: PA
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

The AstraZeneca vaccine is effective against the UK Covid variant first identified in Kent, University of Oxford researchers have said.

Scientists found the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is just as good at fighting the UK Covid-19 variant as it is the original strain of the virus.

Researchers took swabs from both symptomatic and asymptomatic volunteers between enrolled in phase two/three vaccine studies to work out which virus strain they had been infected with after receiving a vaccine or a placebo.

Read more: Deal reached for 50 million doses of vaccines that target new variants

Read more: Quarantine hotels to come into force from 15 February

Results show the vaccine's strength against symptomatic infection was similar to the original strain of the virus - despite a lower count of neutralising antibodies.

Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity, and chief investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial, said: "Data from our trials of the ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) vaccine in the United Kingdom indicate that the vaccine not only protects against the original pandemic virus, but also protects against the novel variant, B.1.1.7, which caused the surge in disease from the end of 2020 across the UK."

Professor involved in vaccine mixing trial speaks to LBC

The study reports that vaccine efficacy against symptomatic positive infection was similar for B117 and non-B117 lineages, at 74.6% and 84% respectively.

Vaccine researchers have already spent weeks looking at how to modify existing vaccines to protect against mutations, but this is the first time the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab against new variants has been revealed.

Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology, and chief investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial, said: "All viruses accumulate mutations over time, and for influenza vaccines there is a well-known process of global viral surveillance, and selection of strains for an annual update of the vaccines."

Explained: Who pays for hotel quarantine? How much will it cost?

Professor Gilbert said that coronaviruses are less prone to mutation than influenza viruses.

She added: "But we have always expected that as the pandemic continues, new variants will begin to become dominant amongst the viruses that are circulating and that eventually a new version of the vaccine, with an updated spike protein, would be required to maintain vaccine efficacy at the highest level possible.

"We are working with AstraZeneca to optimise the pipeline required for a strain change should one become necessary.

"This is the same issue that is faced by all of the vaccine developers, and we will continue to monitor the emergence of new variants that arise in readiness for a future strain change."

Travel agent condemns "half-baked" hotel quarantine scheme

The suggestion that some variants could prove some vaccines ineffective has sparked fears among scientists and ministers alike, with new travel rules coming into force from February 15.

Travellers arriving in the UK from countries on a "red list" will be made to quarantine in a Government-approved hotel for 10 days to ensure there is no spread of the variant originating from South Africa or Brazil.

Read more: Minister 'doesn't know' if passports will be stamped to avoid quarantine cheating

Scientists are also looking at combinations of two-dose vaccinations to combat mutations, with the Oxford and Cambridge universities, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and others joining forces.

Over 100 cases of the South Africa variant have been identified in the UK so far, with it spreading to at least 20 other countries.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Live
US Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Millions of Americans head to the polls as election day arrives

US Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Millions of Americans head to the polls in the final race for the White House

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments

The Kremlin is suspected of plotting the attack

'Parcel bombs' that blew up in warehouse were 'rehearsal' for Russian explosion attack on flight to US

Keir Starmer is not set to ban smoking in pub gardens, contrary to earlier reports

Cigarettes will not be banned in pub gardens under new Labour plan create 'smoke-free generation'

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Reading, Pennsylvania

Trump threatens Mexico with 100% tariffs unless it cracks down on border crossings

Bridget Phillipson told Tonight with Andrew Marr that the fee hike was necessary to secure the future of universities.

‘Universities must reform’ says education secretary after first hike in tuition fees in 8 years

Two more cases of a new strain of mpox have been detected in the UK, officials say

Two more cases of new mpox strain detected in UK

Anya Taylor-Joy and her musician husband were the victims of a terrifying robbery

Anya Taylor-Joy and musician husband victims of burglary at London mansion

Exclusive
Nigel Farage speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari about new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch

'The Remainers are back in town': Nigel Farage says Kemi Badenoch will bring 'no change whatsoever' to Tories

Amy Dowden

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden will not return to show this year following 'medical emergency'

Scott Paterson murdered his landlady Annette Smith

Tenant murdered and dismembered elderly landlady before posing as her by sending Christmas cards to family

Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel and Mel Stride will all serve in Kemi Badenoch's Shadow Cabinet

Kemi Badenoch names former leadership rivals Robert Jenrick and Priti Patel to Tory Shadow Cabinet team

Bridget Phillipson has confirmed the tuition fee rise

University tuition fees to rise for first time in eight years, as Tories accuse Labour of 'declaring war on students'

Sara Sharif had suffered dozens of injuries in the weeks leading up to her death, a court has heard

Video of Sara Sharif smiling and dancing 'days before murder' shown to court

Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers that no Tube services are expected on Thursday 7 November

November Tube strikes to bring London to a halt this week despite RMT calling off action