Top Oxford vaccinologist explains whats ahead in the war against Covid-19 – India Today

AstraZeneca said on Monday its vaccine, developed along with the University of Oxford, could be around 90 per cent effective (File | Reuters)

In another piece of good news for the world in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, AstraZeneca said on Monday its vaccine, developed along with the University of Oxford, could be around 90 per cent effective under one dosing regimen -- a half dose, followed by a full dose about a month later, instead of two full doses one month apart.

India Today TV consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai spoke to Professor Adrian Hill, Vaccinologist and Director, Jenner Institute, and Professor of Human Genetics at Oxford University, on what lies ahead in the war against Covid-19. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Is it a day to smile?

A: Yes, we can. We had zero hospitalisation cases from the people who were vaccinated. The one dosing regimen -- a half dose, followed by a full dose about a month later, instead of two full doses one month apart -- allows more people to be vaccinated with a planned vaccine supply. I think its really good news that the world has three promising vaccine candidates at the moment (the two others being from Moderna and Pfizer).

Q: Is it correct to say the Oxford vaccine doesnt require a stringent cold chain regimen?

A: Yes, you need to store the vaccine in fridge temperatures, sometimes in deep-fridge temperatures. It can be distributed around the world using the usual immunisation distribution systems.

Q: What will be the cost of the vaccine?

A: In high-income countries, during the pandemic, it will be three dollars per vaccine. After the pandemic, the price will remain the same in low-income countries, but the manufacturers may look to make a profit in high-income countries.

Q: When will the vaccine be ready for emergency use (among health workers, etc)?

A: We will soon file for emergency use authorisation. We will work with our India partner, the Serum Institute of India, and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to see how quickly we can move. Early January will be the target. But mass vaccination will take more time. India is a big country but Serum is also the worlds biggest vaccine manufacturer.

Q: Vaccine development is a time-taking process. What explains this dramatic success?

A: Our students take 10 years. Were now into month 10. Its been different in many ways. Theres been help from funders, regulators, international agencies... We have also been allowed to overlap phases of clinical trials. About 270 people have worked night and day. Additionally, there were 19 trial sites in the UK alone. Brazil has vaccinated 10,000 people. Its going on in South Africa. The US has vaccinated 10,000 people. Kenya has started it. Serum is doing it in India.

Q: Are you already celebrating?

A: Were not yet at the finish line. But we have overcome the final fence. The next few weeks of paperwork are going to be really busy. We hope to have celebrations by the year-end.

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Top Oxford vaccinologist explains whats ahead in the war against Covid-19 - India Today