Study: The first dose of two vaccines reduces the incidence of COVID-19

Scientists at Oxford University released more data on Friday confirming that the coronavirus vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca significantly reduce the risk of contracting the first dose.

The researchers said there were virtually no differences in the two drugs’ ability to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The research, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, is based on data obtained from ENT tests performed on more than 370,000 people in England and Wales between December and April.

The scientists noted that three weeks after receiving the first dose of the AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine or the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, infection rates had decreased by 65%. They added that the reduction was much greater after the second dose, and vaccinations appear to protect those who have been vaccinated from the variant that was first identified in Britain.

Lead researcher at the University of Oxford, Dr Quinn Boyles, noted that there is some evidence of people who have been vaccinated with COVID-19 and a limited spread of the disease by immunized people.

“This confirms the need for everyone to follow guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission, for example through social distancing and masks,” Boyles said in a statement.